Box Score NATCHITOCHES – Cassandra Briscoe scored the first Southland Conference goal of the season for the Northwestern State soccer team, but her efforts fell short as the Lady Demons suffered a tough loss to McNeese 2-1 Friday evening at the Lady Demon soccer complex.

The loss drops NSU to 5-10-1 overall, and 0-5-1 in Southland Conference play, and eliminates them from the SLC tournament. Lady Cowgirls improve to 8-8-2 overall, and 3-4 in the SLC.

“I'm proud of the way we played tonight,” said head coach George Van Linder. “We came back and fought hard in the second half.”

McNeese notched a tally just before halftime as Haley Lyons scored off of a corner kick. Her shot was deflected into the back of the net as the Lady Demon defense attempted to block the shot.

Briscoe gave NSU hope as she received a pass from Ashlee Savona, and beat out Lady Cowgirl goalkeeper Katie Seeber. Briscoe banked a goal off of the post, tying the game at 1-1.

McNeese sealed the win at the 73-minute mark as Sarah LaLanne shot low and found the back of the net off of a pass from Kaitlin Tue.

“We played with a lot of heart, and had a lot of chances,” said Van Linder. “I just wish we could have finished one of those chances.”

The Lady Demons host Nicholls on Sunday at 2 o'clock at the Lady Demon soccer complex. Sunday's match marks the final home match of the season. Four Lady Demon soccer seniors will be honored before kick-off.