Cowgirls take on RGV
Published 3:59 pm Tuesday, March 10, 2026
McNeese begins run at SLC title
It’s been 13 years since the Cowgirls made the NCAA Tournament.
Now, after a remarkable 17-game turnaround, they are just two wins away from heading back to a regional.
McNeese State’s women’s basketball team begins its quest to win just its third SLC title, and first since 2013, after running through the league during the regular season. The Cowgirls set a school record, taking a 27-4 mark into the postseason.
They have also won 21 of 22 conference games, and have a 20-game winning streak as they open tournament play Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in their home, Townsley Law Arena.
McNeese will play No. 3 seed Texas-Rio Grande Valley (20-12) in the first semifinal game after getting the top seed and a double bye. RGV advanced with a 76-67 over Northwestern State Tuesday.
All-Southland guard Jalayah Ingram led the way with 22 points and eight rebounds. She was limited to just eight points in 24 minutes because of foul trouble. Ingram fouled out in a 60-53 loss in Lake Charles three weeks ago.
McNeese swept the series, but Ingram is ready for another chance.
“I have been waiting for this game since then,” said Ingram. “Tomorrow (Wednesday) will be a dogfight.”
The Cowgirls will also be ready.
“We are looking forward to getting going in the tournament,” said McNeese guard Adrianna Patton, who scored 30 points in the season finale. “We have been waiting for the tournament all season.”
Ingram and all-league forward Charlotte O’Keefe are a two-headed monster for the Vaqueros. O’Keefe had 10 points and 10 rebounds in the semis.
“They are a solid team,” McNeese head coach Ayla Guzzardo said. “We know what they are going to try to do. We have to defend.”
That’s what McNeese does best, turning turnovers into points. McNeese forced 26 turnovers and scored 23 points off those the last time the teams met.
“You can’t throw them the ball,” said RGV head coach Lane Lord. “If you do throw them the ball, you can’t let them have layups.
“We are excited about the matchup.”
The Cowgirls are coming off their best 10 quarters over the last three games. They are also not worried about any rust.
“We practiced really hard to get them ready,” said Guzzardo. “That’s why we practice them so hard, so that the games are easier.”
Defensive Player of the Year Jalencia Pierre will lead the McNeese attack. She has won that honor each of the last three seasons and spearheads the Cowgirl press.
They will also need to keep Freshman of the Year Dakota Howard out of foul trouble. Howard leads McNeese in scoring at 12.9 and rebounding at 6.1.
Patton (11.6) has been averaging 18.3 points over her last four games.
In Wednesday’s second semifinal, No. 2 seed Lamar (20-9) will take on No. 3 Stephen F. Austin (23-9). SFA advanced with a 63-60 win over Nicholls (15-16) on Tuesday.
