NSU Soccer | 9/20/2014 12:52:00 PM

NATCHITOCHES – The Northwestern State soccer team will continue opening weekend of Southland Conference play when it hosts three-time defending league champion Stephen F. Austin at 1 o'clock on Sunday in the Lady Demon Soccer Complex.
 
"SFA is a big school rivalry and there is a lot of ties between the two schools," said head coach George Van Linder. "They've beaten a Pac-12 team, tied an SEC team and had another close game against an SEC team."
 
Sunday's match, which is Autograph Day where fans can get autographs from NSU players, is SFA's (4-2-1) conference opener.  NSU (3-6, 0-1) opened league play on Friday with a 4-1 loss to Lamar after three late goals gave the Lady Cardinals some breathing room.
 
Esdeina Gonzalez continues her hot play with five goals in her last three games, including one against LU that was unassisted in the 81^st minute.  She leads the Lady Demons with 15 points on the season on seven goals and one assist.
 
Julia Ranalli has seven points this season, and Cassandra Briscoe, Nikki Saunders and Caché Haley have five points apiece.
 
Hanna Barker and Zuri Prince lead SFA, who defeated Oregon State and tied LSU, with eight points apiece.   Barker has four goals this season and Prince has two goals and four assists.
 
"They are really on fire and doing great," said Van Linder. "It's a great opportunity for us to get them here at home and play for a win."
 
The Ladyjacks have started two goalkeepers in their seven games. Moran Glick, who has 25 saves and 0.96 goals against average, has started five games.  Lillie Ehlert, who has five saves and 1.00 goals against average, has the other two.
 
Alex Latham has taken over as the keeper for NSU, and has a 3-4 record with 25 saves and a 2.84 goals against average.
 
SFA leads the all-time series against Northwestern State, 17-6-4, and has won the last five contests.
 
NSU will return the pitch on Friday when it hosts Houston Baptist at 7 o'clock on Friday at the Lady Demon Soccer Complex.