NACAGDOCHES, Texas – A year ago, Sean Kiracofe was new to many parts of being a head coach, including the Northwestern State-Stephen F. Austin rivalry.
 
With a year of experience at his back, Kiracofe can admit he took a rather unusual approach to facing the Ladyjacks in October 2015.
 
"Last year, we started looking at them earlier than we have this year," Kiracofe said. "We had them at home first. It was my first time within the rivalry. I wanted to be extra prepared, and it turned out well."
 
The Lady Demons swept that first meeting with SFA, setting up a season series split. This time around, the rivalry shifts to Nacogdoches for a 1 p.m. first serve Saturday.
 
Circumstances have changed one year later. Northwestern State (11-14, 6-4 Southland) already has surpassed both its win total and its conference win total from the 2015 season. Stephen F. Austin (13-8, 6-2) sits in second place, one game ahead of NSU.
 
As expectations have changed, so has Kiracofe's plan for Saturday's match.
 
"This year is a different year," Kiracofe said. "We are approaching SFA with more of a regular workflow than last year."
 
While the approach has changed, SFA has not.
 
The Ladyjacks lead the Southland in blocks per set in all matches (2.41) and in conference play (2.77). Individually, both Justice Walker and Danae Daron rank in the top 10 in blocks per set in all matches and in conference-only matches.
 
"They have a lot of depth," Kiracofe said. "They always have. That comes from being successful. You can't key on one person or on one area. They perform and execute in all areas."
 
NSU enters the match after dropping a five-set decision at Sam Houston State on Thursday.
 
In that match, Kiracofe said the Lady Demons fell too far behind on a consistent basis to rally for a road victory. Even with the loss to the Bearkats, NSU is 4-2 away from home in Southland play and 6-6 in true road matches this season.
 
Part of the reason for NSU's success has been stellar individual performances throughout the first 25 matches of the season.
 
With back-to-back 20-dig matches, sophomore libero Channing Burleson now has 456 on the season, fifth most in school single-season history.
 
Senior setter Natalie Jaeger has handed out 835 assists, moving her within 66 of 10^th place in school single-season history. Her 2,475 career assists place her sixth in school history, 48 shy of equaling Cathy Herring for fifth place.
 
"Channing has really stepped up in a new role and been solid in every match," Kiracofe said. "I'm very happy for Natalie. She would have had bigger numbers had she not played in a 6-2 for most of her career. She made some great adjustments to being a 5-1 setter. She's been great."