NATCHITOCHES – The 2013 fall season for Northwestern State opens on Friday when the Lady Demons host former Southland Conference member Texas State at 7 o'clock in the Lady Demon Soccer Complex.
 
The Lady Demons return 20 letterwinners from last year's team that finished 6-11-1 under now second-year head coach George Van Linder.
 
"We're real excited.  They players came in fit, so we're especially excited about that," said Van Linder.   "The big thing for us is that I feel we're coming in with a lot more confidence this season."
 
NSU's top three scorers from a year ago will return for the 2013 season. 
 
Senior forward Ashlee Savona led the Lady Demons with 14 points on five goals and four assists.  Senior forward Yanci Johnson was a close second with 13 points on six goals and an assist, and sophomore midfielder Cassandra Briscoe finished the year with four goals and two assists for 10 points.
 
Also returning is the 2012 Louisiana's Newcomer of the Year Jackie Strug, who provides a threat to score from the back line.  She knocked in three goals last season.
 
Texas State leads the all-time series, 12-8-3, over Northwestern State, but the Lady Demons hold a 6-3-2 advantage at home.
 
"Texas State's staff and I have known each other for a long time," said Van Linder. "We have a lot of respect for them and what they do, but at the same time I feel confident.
 
"They'll come in very prepared, but what I like is that they play soccer in the style that we're more comfortable with," he said.  "I think it's going to be a really close game, but I really like our chances."
 
Texas State also returns its leading scorer in Tori Hale.  She had 16 points on five goals and six assists on the year.
 
The Bobcats also return senior goalkeeper Natalie Gardini who sits fourth all-time in Texas State history with 7.5 shutouts in her career.
 
The Lady Demons will open a five game road stint on Sunday when Baylor hosts them at 1 o'clock.