The new-look Cowgirls were unveiled at the Legacy Center in a lunchtime matinee Monday, with the sound of about 2,000 screaming kids as a backdrop.

Playing the role of the cannon fodder was the first-year program from Southeastern Baptist, competing in just its fifth game ever.

The results were predictable.

With all 13 players scoring, McNeese State opened its women’s basketball season with a 99-19 thumping of the Christian College Athletic Association school from Laurel, Miss.

The Chargers (1-4), one of four non-Division I opponents on the McNeese schedule, never stood a prayer against the rebuilt Cowgirls in front of 2,200 total witnesses. 

“We loved the atmosphere,” said McNeese head coach Lynn Kennedy. “This is fun for us to play in.”

Even with seven transfers, the most impressive debut was from a true freshman. Lyla Kahrimanovic from Woodinville, Washington made a solid first impression in her new home. 

Kahrimanovic finished with a game-high 17 points and seven rebounds to lead the Cowgirls. She also had six steals and four assists, including a nifty behind-the-back pass to Alva Mofalk to end a fast break.

“I was thinking about it and glad it worked out,” said Kahrimanovic. “It might not have gone too well if it didn’t.”

Kahrimanovic hit on 8 of 13 shots during her 21 minutes of work.

“I had a lot of fun for my first game,” said Kahrimanovic. “The crowd was really loud.”

It was enough to impress her coach.

“She (Kahrimanovic) plays hard all the time,” Kennedy said. “She brings the intensity.”

Sophomore Azjah Reeves added 13 points and Julia Puente tossed in 10. Both returned to the Cowgirls in hopes of helping lift the program from last year’s 6-25 campaign.

“We want to have a better season this year,” said Reeves. “We know there are a lot of people who doubt us.”

The 80-point victory was the third-most in Cowgirls’ history. The largest win game was almost two full years ago when the Cowgirls beat Ecclesia by 84 on Nov. 7, 2022.

“I don’t worry about the final score, I just wanted us to play hard and keep the intensity up all game,” said Kennedy. “Our defensive pressure was there all game.”

McNeese forced 33 turnovers that led to 45 points. The Cowgirl bench outscored the Charger subs 75-2.

McNeese also turned the ball over just eight times, something that was an issue problem last season. The Cowgirls also handed out 22 assists.

After a slow start, the Cowgirls grabbed a 20-4 lead at the end of the first quarter. Using a 23-0 run over the first and second quarters, McNeese led 43-11 at the half and 70-15 heading into the fourth.

Defensible, McNeese had 21 steals and held the Chargers to just 4 of 40 shooting from the field and 2-for-19 on three-point tries. 

For one day it was a far cry from last season.

“We got better team chemistry,” said Reeves. “Both on offense and defense we are better.”

The Cowgirls will be back home Thursday when they take on the College of Biblical Studies as part of a doubleheader with the men’s team. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m.