LAKE CHARLES – A battle of bests in the Southland Conference resulted in Northwestern State soccer's first loss in league play.

NSU (4-4-2, 4-1 SLC) fell 2-0 against a balanced McNeese (8-3-1, 5-1 SLC) squad, which found the back of the Lady Demon net both times late in the second period.

The first of two goals for the Cowgirls came in the 66^th minute off a redirected ball from the left wing, which set up Cowgirls' Mariah Ruelas to get past senior keeper Acelya Aydogmus at low left. Ruelas' goal was the first scored against Aydogmus and NSU since Aug. 29 at No. 23 Rice.

The second and final goal came off the foot of Cowgirl midfielder Keely Morrow, who found an assist from a corner kick in the 77^th minute. The set play placed the ball just at Aydogmus' left, where Morrow was able to capitalize and send the ball high right to seal the Lady Demon's fate. Aydogmus ended the day with two saves for NSU.

The first period was an even affair, with the majority of play occurring in the middle third of the pitch. Both teams entered halftime scoreless, with just two shots on goal for both sides.

The offense for both teams opened up following halftime. Seven Lady Demons ended the day with shot attempts, while four finished with at least one attempt at the McNeese net. Midfielder Delaney Wells led the way, with two shots which were both saved by keeper Jackie Kelly.

Kelly tallied seven saves in 85 minutes before being replaced in the final ten to be assessed for injury.

Despite NSU holding a 7-4 advantage in shots on goal to end the match, McNeese was able to create more valuable opportunities throughout the second period.

"We didn't show a good account of ourselves today and it cost us," head coach Stuart Gore said. "Despite that, we can't let this loss linger. We have to approach this experience like a bruise, not a tattoo, and plug on."

NSU returns to the Lady Demon Soccer Complex on Friday to host Houston Baptist.