LAKE CHARLES, La. -- The University of the Incarnate Word women's soccer team heads to Louisiana for a Friday night match facing the McNeese Cowgirls. First touch is set for 7 p.m. CT.
Going into the match, UIW is in a three way-tie with McNeese and Lamar for first place in Southland Conference play with standings of 5-1.
The Cardinals hold the winningest Southland Conference record since joining the SLC in 2013, where they held four wins on the season. A win on Friday would secure UIW's first-ever Southland Conference Tournament appearance.
THE GAME
THE CARDINALS
UIW enters Friday off a major road win against Houston Baptist on Oct. 11, which saw the Cardinals secure a 3-2 win in overtime. In this match, UIW's offense outworked the Huskies, tallying 26 shots (11 on target) over HBU's nine shots (three on goal).
Keeley Ayala earned Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Week following her two goals scored on eight against HBU. Ayala has been on target from the penalty line with six made penalty kicks, which ranks first nationally among all NCAA women's soccer.
The Cardinals offensive line has amassed 184 shots on the season averaging 14.2 per game. UIW's defense, as well, has been a driving factor to the Cardinals' stud season, allowing only four goals on 47 shots faced in all six conference games played.
THE COWGIRLS
McNeese comes into Friday off their first loss in SLC play, as they dropped a 3-2 decision to Sam Houston State (Oct. 13).
The Cowgirls' offense is led by Havana Johnson (seeded fifth in conference play in shots with 37) and Anna Watson (fifth in goals with 5 in SLC). Against SHSU (Oct. 13), the Cowgirls put up 17 shots with 11 on frame.
UP NEXT
The Cardinals return to Texas to take on the Lamar Cardinals in Beaumont on Oct. 20. The game is set for 1 p.m. CT.
FOLLOW ALONG
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics, visit
uiwcardinals.com, follow the Cardinals on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like UIW Athletics on Facebook at UIW Athletics.
Follow the team on Twitter @UIWWomensSoccer and on Instagram @uiwwsoccer.
