HOUSTON, Texas— Following an 11-day layoff for final exams, the McNeese State women's basketball team picked up right where they left off with a 70-37 road win over Texas Southern here Wednesday night. The Cowgirls improve to 8-1 overall, winning their eighth consecutive game after a season opening loss at UCLA.



“We are pleased despite coming off an 11-day break. We were a little rusty in the first half but played better in the second half,” said head coach Brooks Donald Williams.



Junior guards Ashlyn and Caitlyn Baggett led all players with 22 points apiece. Ashlyn was one point shy of tying her season high. She connected on 5 of 16 from the field, 4 of 10 from three-point range and 8 of 9 from the charity stripe.



The 22 points for Caitlyn is a season high for her as she finished the game making 5 of 7 from the field and a season high 11 of 13 free throws. Martika Hull and Kendra Wells led McNeese with eight rebounds apiece.



Ten of McNeese's 12 players who saw action scored at least one point and most of the reserves played the second half.



“Alot of people saw quality minutes and gained valuable experience tonight. This will help down the road,” said Williams.



McNeese opened up a 5-0 lead in the first 45 seconds of the game and continued to increase its lead. McNeese held a double digit lead five minutes into the game on a Hull layup and never gave up its double digit lead in the game. Back-to-back three-pointers by the Baggett's gave the Cowgirls a 16-2 lead with 11:35 left in the half.



Two free throws by Ashlyn Baggett gave McNeese a 20 point lead (27-7) with four minutes left in the half. The Cowgirls held a 38-14 halftime lead.



McNeese held its largest lead of the game (55-20) with 8:49 left in the game after two free throws by Wells. Freshman Ashley Salazar scored six of the Cowgirls final eight points of the game.



McNeese will host LSU this Friday at 6 p.m. at Burton Coliseum. The game has been designated as McNeese's “Pack The House” game, in an effort to break the previous home game attendance of 3,256 set last year against Lamar.



Prior to the game, there will be a Jambalaya and Gumbo cook-off. Anyone interested in entering the contest may contact the women's basketball office (337-475-5473) before noon Friday. Winners will be announced at the second media timeout of the second half.