WACO, Texas -- The Northwestern State Lady Demon soccer team and new head coach George Van Linder will open up the 2012 season Sunday at Baylor.
 
The Bears have already received national Top 25 poll votes.
 
Baylor holds a 1-0 all-time advantage over the Lady Demons when they met in 2006.  
 
On Wednesday, NSU hosted Louisiana-Monroe in a preseason scrimmage. The Lady Demons fell 4-1 to the Warhawks.
 
Sophomore Alex Rios scored the lone goal for NSU off an assist from freshman Peyton Rector in the first half to tie the game at one.
 
The Lady Demons return 18 letterwinners from last year, including standouts Jessica Danku, who led the Southland Conference in saves last year with 99, and Natchitoches local Yanci Johnson, who finished second on the team with four goals and three assists for 11 points in 2011.
 
Also returning in the midfield is junior Ashlee Savona who finished just behind Johnson with three goals and one assist. Shannon Danku continues to impress with her defensive skills, seeing playing time in all but one match last season.
 
 
NSU returns to the Lady Demon Soccer Complex Friday at 7 o'clock against Texas Southern.