Red-Hot Cowgirls Face SFA for Southland Conference Championship

Lake Charles, Louisiana (KNGT-FM) - The goal is officially within striking distance for the McNeese Cowgirls.

Less than one year ago, when Ayla Guzzardo was officially introduced, she wanted to finish the job her Lady Lions left unfinished in the Southland Conference Tournament: win it all. Thursday, they can accomplish just that.

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Wednesday Morning inside the Townsley Law Arena, McNeese extended their program record winning streak to 21 games as it used a dominant second half to race past UT Rio Grande Valley 67-52 in the semifinals.

Behind a dominant first half from Lexi Alexander, who had 12 points, the Cowgirls held just a slight 1-point advantage, 31-30, at the halftime break. The third quarter changed everything.

It was an early lead for the Vaqueros in the 2nd Half, but the McNeese run would start with Ty Sibley knocking in the first 10 McNeese points of the third quarter. Sibley finished with a game-high 24 points on 11/19 shooting.

"Great team win. We had a lot of people step up," said Guzzardo. "Ultimately, in games like this, you see who's hungry for it. Ty was hungry for it today," said Guzzardo following the 67-52 win over UTRGV.[

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McNeese will now turn its focus to the Southland Conference Championship Game as it will take on the 3-seeded Stephen F Austin on Thursday at 4:00 inside Townsley Law Arena in Lake Charles.

Stephen F Austin (24-9 overall) came from behind and got the win over #2 Lamar Cardinals on Tuesday, 64-59. The Lady Jacks trailed for most of the contest, down by as many as 15, but found a way to gut out a win in overtime over Lamar on Wednesday.

The Ladyjacks are led by Key Roseby, who averages 13.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. Harmanie Dominguez adds 12.7 points and leads the team with 92 three-pointers, while Ashlyn Traylor-Walker scores 12.6 points per game. Kaylinn Kemp contributes 11.4 points and a team-high 156 assists, and Myka Perry averages 11.2 points.

McNeese and Stephen F Austin will tip off at 4:00 and will air on ESPNU. There are still tickets available for the Women's Championship Game for $10 & $5.