CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – For the first time since 2008, the McNeese Cowgirls are heading to the Southland Soccer Championship Match as the No. 3 seed used a brilliant defensive effort to defeat the No. 7 seed HCU Huskies, 1-0, on Friday afternoon at Dugan Soccer Complex.

Despite HCU holding a 17-7 advantage in shots, including nine on target, it was again the outstanding work of Jackie Kelly that was the difference as she came away with nine saves on the afternoon. Through 200 minutes of play at the SLC Championship, Kelly has only conceded one goal.

Both teams saw some opportunities in the first half, including a laser towards goal from Anouk Linders off the bench, but the match remained scoreless through 45 minutes of play.

In the second half, a high-pressure attack in the first minute from the Cowgirls found the first breakthrough. Kaile Kukaua sent a corner kick outside the box to her sister Kiana Kukaua, who crossed it in.

After a scramble for the ball, Morgan Schooley was able to control and finish right in front of the net for the 1-0 advantage. 

HCU went on the heavy attack for the next 45 minutes, maintaining possession and firing 10 shots in the next 45 minutes. However, every opportunity was stifled by Kelly and the Cowgirl defense.

Martine Ellefsen, Avery Baker, and Karissa Illingworth helped steady the back line while the McNeese midfield dropped and helped keep the lead at bay.

It would all be enough as time ran out and McNeese moved on to the championship match, their fourth appearance in school history. It is also the third straight season the No. 3 seed has made the championship match.

McNeese will go on to Sunday's title match and take on the winner of top-seeded Lamar and No. 4 seed Northwestern State. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.