McNeese State Cowgirls: On the Verge of a Historic Season
Published: 1:46 PM, Wednesday, February 18, 2026
The McNeese State Cowgirls are rapidly approaching what could be a landmark season, but the journey isn’t over yet. Currently riding a program-record 15-game winning streak, the team stands on the brink of securing its third Southland Conference regular-season title. However, before they can begin to celebrate, one last challenge looms ahead.
Upcoming Showdown Against Texas-Rio Grande Valley
On Thursday night, the Cowgirls will face off against the only remaining team that can prevent them from claiming the conference title since 2011: Texas-Rio Grande Valley. Currently, the Vaqueros trail McNeese by three games with only five games left to play in the regular season, making this matchup a crucial one.
In their first encounter last month, McNeese dominated Texas-Rio Grande Valley, winning 70-54 in Edinburg, Texas. Key contributors in that game included Arianna Patton, who scored 15 points, and Kaili Chamberlin, who added 11. After a recent setback against Stephen F. Austin, Rio Grande Valley (16-10, 13-4) will be eager to bounce back and prove their mettle.
Coach Guzzardo Prepares the Team
McNeese’s head coach, Ayla Guzzardo, expressed confidence about the upcoming game, stating, “We had a great game against them the last time. They are going to give us everything they got this time.” A second victory over the Vaqueros would not only secure at least a share of the conference title but also send a clear message ahead of the tournament.
A Battle of Confidence
As Guzzardo noted, “We know we will see them in the tournament. It’s a mutual message; they want to prove they can beat the best team, and we want to prove they can’t.” The stakes are high as both teams prepare for this pivotal encounter.
Containing Key Players
During their first matchup, McNeese’s defense excelled by holding Rio Grande Valley’s top scorers in check. Jalayah Ingram, who leads RGV with an impressive scoring average of 17.1 points, scored just seven points against McNeese, while fellow player Charlotte O’Keefe managed only eight points and 13.4 rebounds—top in the league.
Coach Guzzardo emphasized the importance of preventing Ingram and O’Keefe from getting into their rhythm. “They have a two-headed snake, and we can’t let the others get going. We have to make Ingram’s life hard,” she insisted.
Defensive Dominance
The McNeese Cowgirls currently boast the second-best scoring defense in the country, allowing a mere 51.8 points per game. Their aggressive style of play has also made them sixth in steals with 14.7 per game, forcing opponents into an average of 24.2 turnovers and achieving a remarkable turnover margin of 13.2, ranking them first nationally. This formidable defense will be critical against a hungry Rio Grande Valley team.
Upcoming Senior Day Recognition
In addition to their imminent challenge, the Cowgirls are preparing for Senior Day this Saturday, when they will host Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. McNeese previously defeated the Islanders 59-42 and will honor six seniors who have made a significant impact on the program throughout their careers.
Looking Ahead: Championship Aspirations
While the Cowgirls are on the cusp of breaking several program records, Guzzardo made it clear that their primary focus remains on achieving greater goals. “Those records are stepping stones to where we are going. We have bigger fish to fry. We have our sights set on other things,” she stated. For McNeese State, the immediate target is clinching the conference championship, a significant milestone in their storied history.
As the Cowgirls gear up for their crucial matchup against Texas-Rio Grande Valley, fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere in the Townsley Law Arena. With everything on the line, McNeese State is determined to finish strong and make their mark this season.
For more information on the Southland Conference and updates on the Cowgirls, visit the Southland Conference official website.
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