Coming off their first Southland Conference victory, the McNeese State women’s basketball team hopes to keep the momentum going tonight.

The Cowgirls (6-10, 1-2 SLC) host Nicholls State (3-11, 1-2) in the first of a four-game homestand.

“Time for us to put together a little stretch,” said first-year Cowgirls head coach Lynn Kennedy. “This is a great opportunity for us.”

McNeese, which leads the Southland in scoring at 70.6 points per game, is led by freshman Kaili Chamberlin at 10.1 points a game. Desirae Hansen, who has been in a shooting slump, is next at 9.9.

Chamberlin had 15 points while Christina Gil led the way for McNeese with 16 Saturday against Incarnate Word. Gil has picked up her play in league competition scoring just over 15 points in SLC play.

“I thought we played better with each game last week,” Kennedy said. “We are still a young team that is learning.”

Despite averaging just under 60 points a game, Nicholls has two of the league’s top five scorers in Chelsea Cain (16.9 ppg) and Chyna Allen (13.1). They will put pressure on the Cowgirls defense.

“Those two can play with the best in the conference,” Kennedy said. “We want to contain those two. We have to make them work to get their shots.”

Kennedy said Nicholls, which has lost nine of its last 10 games, is a team to worry about.

“They have been very up and down, but they are athletic and can cause you problems,” he said.

The Cowgirls lead the Southland in offensive rebounds, rebounds per game and 3-point shots made and attempted.