NATCHITOCHES -- In the past seven seasons, Northwestern State soccer had either been eliminated from the Southland Conference Tournament or fighting for its postseason life heading into the regular season finale.
But when the Lady Demons head to Central Arkansas on Friday, something else will be on the line.
NSU (10-6-1, 7-2-1 SLC) has already secured at least the No. 3 seed in next week's SLC Tournament, but the Lady Demons are still in contention for the one of the tournament's two byes.
The Lady Demons need to knock off the regular season champion Bears (14-3-1, 9-0-1 SLC) on the road and have second-place Stephen F. Austin (11-4, 8-2) lose to Sam Houston State (2-15-1, 2-7-1 SLC) to acquire the No. 2 seed.
The Bears have dominated SLC competition this season, winning six of their league games by at least three goals. Abilene Christian, whom NSU beat in Natchitoches, was the only team to tie UCA in league play this season.
"This is a big test. They are the conference champion and hadn't lost a game," said senior
Peyton Rector, who could be available to play Friday after a knee injury forced her to miss a majority of the conference season.
"It will be a good test to see where we're at in relation to one of our top competitors."
UCA averages nearly 2.4 goals per game led by Camille Bassett (13 goals) and Ashley Smith (10 goals). The Bears have outscored their opponents 43-13 this season.
NSU counters with one of the best defenses in the league anchored by junior goalkeeper
Alex Latham, who has shut out seven opponents this season and allowed one goal in another six games this season. The Lady Demons allow 1.29 goals per game overall but just 0.7 goals in conference games.
Latham, a four-time SLC Goalkeeper of the Week, was selected Thursday to the College Sports Information Directors of America's Academic All-District Team, which honors athletic and academic achievement.
Six of NSU's seven conference wins have come by one goal.
Even if the Lady Demons can't get the No. 2 seed and will have to play Wednesday in the tournament quarterfinals in Corpus Christi, Texas, coach
George Van Linder said his team's depth still gives NSU a solid chance to run the table.
"Our depth is one of our biggest strengths," said Van Linder, whose team could play three matches in five days if they make Sunday's championship game. "We had so many players contribute Sunday for example.
"They may not get the time they want on Friday, but they know they will all get a chance to contribute."
Junior
Chandler Monk, who hasn't played many minutes but has seen the field in important situations, said players have to be ready at all times.
"It keeps it competitive," said Monk, who recorded an assist Sunday against Southeastern. "You never know when you will step on the field.
"Even if it's just a couple of minutes, you have to perform and give it your all. Honestly, you have to keep a good attitude about it and contribute what you can. If it's just 10 minutes, make a difference in those 10 minutes."
Sophomore
Olivia Marazzo has played all three levels of the field, including logging key minutes at the end of regulation and in overtime at different points this season.
"Definitely having more experience and more minutes on the field makes you not as nervous," Marazzo said. "The transition (to different positions) hasn't been too hard.
"(Van Linder) and my teammates have made it easy, and strong communication has made it easier, too."
