After spending the first part of his offseason recruiting and working on getting more athletic with guards, Lynn Kennedy picked up some big pieces Thursday to go with that crew.

The McNeese State women’s basketball coach signed a pair of players who should provide different types of games from the inside.

First, Kennedy announced he signed Wilnie Joseph, a 6-foot-5 center from Louisiana-Lafayette for rebounding and post-defense, both major needs of the Cowgirls.

He then signed Sydney McQuietor, 6-2 forward from Boise State. McQuietor started her career at Boston College.

“I am excited about these two signings,” said Kennedy. “We started this year getting more athletic and we did that with guards. Then we shifted to get bigger on the inside.

“I think both these signings are good as they both have experience but play different types of games. That should help us be able to win with different styles.”

Joseph played two seasons for the Cajuns, getting in 38 games but not seeing extended time. She averaged a point and rebound a game for ULL.

“With more time I think Wilnie can really be a force in rebounding and defense,” said Kennedy. “She can be physical and that is what we need. She wants to show what she can do.

“I also think with more playing time she can be a better offensive player as well. She has good footwork. She gives us experience right away on the inside.”

McQuietor was a top player while at Keller High School in Texas. She was rated 17th overall at her position according to The Blue Star Basketball Report.

Injuries have cost her a lot of playing time over the years.

“Sydney is somebody who can do a lot of things and play multiple positions,” said Kennedy. “She can hit jump shots and score around the basket.”

The duo are the sixth and seventh players Kennedy has added since March, a class that is led by Louisiana Tech transfer and former St. Louis High star Paris Guillory. Also joining the roster are guards Avery Young, Bre’ Sutton and Tyrielle Williams along with forward Kiayra Ellis.

“I am really excited about this group,” said Kennedy. “I think we are in a much better position now and much more athletic.”

McNeese finished just 6-25 last season. Emily Tenbrock, the Cowgirls’ leading scorer last winter, has signed to play next fall at Coastal Carolina.

Kennedy said he still has one more roster spot to fill and hopes to do that as early as this weekend.

“We are close to being done,” he said. “It’s a very good class so far, we hope we can finish it stronger with one more big piece.”