The McNeese State Cowgirls are set to return to the court after a nine-day hiatus. They will face the Tarleton State Texans in Stephenville, Texas, on November 14, 2025, at 14:00 local time. This matchup marks the third non-conference game of the season under the guidance of new head coach Ayla Guzzardo. The Cowgirls currently hold a record of 1-1.
Guzzardo expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming game, noting, “We are excited to get back on the court and play a team like us. This will be a good test to see where we are at. They are a great Mid-Major program and play like us.” The Texans are entering this contest with a 2-2 record, having recently lost to Texas A&M, 79-64, despite leading by 11 points early in the game.
As the Cowgirls prepare for this road test, they recognize the importance of tough games to build resilience before Southland Conference play begins. Guzzardo emphasized, “We need these tough games to get us ready for our league, especially on the road. We have a lot of young players and the goal is to get them reps, get them experience.”
The Cowgirls are coming off a challenging loss against Alabama on November 6, where they showcased strong defensive play that granted them a halftime lead. Guzzardo reflected positively on the performance, stating, “I’m not disappointed with how we played. I know we lost the game, but I think we won the fight. We are not big, but we are tough.”
In preparation for the game, the team focused on refining their skills. “A lot to clean up this week,” Guzzardo noted. “We focused on us. Our confidence is growing game by game, practice by practice.”
Currently, three Cowgirls are averaging in double figures for scoring. Senior Arianna Patton leads the team with an average of 12 points per game, followed closely by freshman Dakota Howard at 11.5 points and Tyreona Sibley at 10.5 points. Guzzardo highlighted the team’s development in attacking larger opponents and adapting to zone defenses, stating, “Trying to spread our offense more. We want to work on getting the ball inside and kicking it out.”
The Texans also have a balanced scoring attack. Gia Adams and Shadasia Brackens each average 12.3 points per game, while Brackens leads the team in rebounding with an average of 8.3 boards per game. Kyriana Jones adds to the scoring effort with an average of 12 points. Guzzardo acknowledged the Texans’ strengths, asserting, “They are a very good team that is very balanced and shares the basketball.”
The Texans are aiming to build on their previous success, having achieved their first 20-win season at the Division I level last year. They participated in the Women’s NIT Tournament but were eliminated in the first round. For the Cowgirls, this game serves as a crucial measuring stick before returning home to face LSU-Alexanderia on November 21, 2025.
With both teams eager to prove themselves, fans can expect an exciting showdown in Stephenville. The Cowgirls are looking to capitalize on their training and build momentum as the season progresses.
