Texas State Bobcats Kicks Off Soccer Season with a 3-1 Comeback Victory against McNeese Cowgirls

By Richard Prasedyoko

Sports Reporter

In a riveting showdown between the Texas State Bobcats and the McNeese Cowgirls, the Bobcats emerged victorious on opening night to a season with a 3-1 win that showcased skill, determination and a series of dramatic moments.

The visiting Cowgirls dominated possession during the opening 25 minutes of the match, but their efforts failed to materialize into meaningful chances. The Bobcats, however, launched six shots before the 26th-minute hydration break. Mya Ulloa initiated the offensive push, beginning the shot sequence at the 15-minute mark. Despite a flurry of excellent crosses from Peschel Bailey and Wimberley Wright, the ‘Cats were unable to convert these opportunities into goals.

As the match resumed after the hydration break, the Bobcats and Cowgirls engaged in a fierce midfield battle. The Bobcats continued their offensive assault, registering five more shots on goal, yet remained unable to breach the Cowgirls’ defense. The first half witnessed a breakthrough moment when Rachel Young of the Cowgirls capitalized on Beth Agee’s failure to punch the ball to make a clearance. Young seized the chance and found the net from 10 yards out, securing the only goal for the Cowgirls with their lone attempt on target.

The second half saw a fired-up Bobcats team take the field, led by head coach Steve Holeman. The Bobcats seemed to have adopted an all-out attacking strategy, keeping the ball in the final third of the field. Their relentless pursuit yielded a series of nail-biting moments, including an offside goal that denied them a breakthrough. The Bobcats continued to press, particularly from the right flank, but their efforts were met with frustration and a yellow card for Addison Peters following disagreements with the referee’s decisions.

The pivotal moments arrived after a hydration break, with Zoe Junior of the Bobcats unleashing a skillful strike from the wing in the 71st minute. This pivotal goal was assisted by Peschel Bailey, who had just come off the bench, adding to the Bobcats’ attacking prowess. The momentum continued in favor of the Bobcats as they earned a free kick from the right flank. Kennley Bradley delivered a precise free kick that found Victoria Meza, whose bicycle kick attempt was followed up by Lucy Hart, who successfully poked in the go-ahead goal in the 74th minute.

Maintaining relentless pressure, the Bobcats capitalized on the kickoff, orchestrating a quick offensive move that led to another remarkable goal. Zoe Junior facilitated the play by pressuring the Cowgirls’ defender and passing the ball to Lily Erb, who showcased her precision with a top-right corner shot from 20 yards out.

In a historic twist, Anna Mae Holeman saw six minutes of game time, marking the first time in the program’s history that a head coach, Steve Holeman, had the opportunity to coach his daughter on the pitch. The victory further bolstered Holeman’s impressive record to 13 wins, 5 draws, and 2 losses since taking over the coaching position from Kat Conner last year.

Final Score: Texas State Bobcats 3, McNeese Cowgirls 1

Scorers:

Bobcats: Zoe Junior (71’), Lucy Hart (74’), Lily Erb (75’)

Cowgirls: Rachel Young (43’)