NATCHITOCHES – While one of Northwestern State's greatest players competes at the Jack Fisher Tennis Complex for the last time Saturday and Sunday, there's a little less stress for the red-hot NSU team.
 
With wins in eight of their last 11 matches, the Lady Demons have clinched one of the eight spots in the April 22-24 Southland Conference Tournament. Home contests at 11 a.m. Saturday (against Lamar) and Sunday (against Sam Houston State) provide chances to enhance NSU's seeding for the Southland tourney.
 
They also showcase senior Natalya Krutova, who ranks among the most accomplished student-athletes in program history. She will be spotlighted in a ceremony at 10:40 Sunday morning before doubles play begins against Sam Houston.
 
NSU (9-9 overall, 5-4 in the Southland) hopes to maintain its recent momentum against Lamar (9-9, 4-5) and Sam Houston (7-11, 2-7). The Lady Demons are in a three-way tie for fifth in the conference standings, having won four of their last five matches including sweeping Nicholls and McNeese on the road last weekend.
 
Krutova owns a 58-22 career singles record that ranks her in a fifth-place tie on the NSU career wins list. In doubles, she sparkles with a 65-15 mark, standing in a fourth-place tie for career wins, three away from second and five from a first-place tie with former teammate Andrea Nedorostova. Her .813 winning percentage in doubles is sixth all time.
 
Her long NSU resume also features perfection in academic pursuits. Majoring in biology with a concentration in biomedical science, she's maintained a perfect 4.0 grade point average in biomedical sciences and has a lengthy list of academic awards from the Southland Conference, the Intercollegiate Tennis Association and the College Sports Information Directors of America.
 
The native of Sevastopol, Ukraine is a long way from home, but doesn't battle homesickness because of the reception she's received at NSU.
 
"I remember the first time coming to Natchitoches, and everything was so different. Now, it feels like home. I know so many people here. I've become much more mature. I've learned about the American culture, and the different sports over here," she said. "It's been really fun."
 
Sunday's senior ceremony will be emotional, the personable team captain admitted, but she's keeping focus on the team and the tennis – and the fans in the stands.
 
"I think I'm going to shed some tears, but I am excited about this weekend. I think we'll have tough matches, but the team is ready to play some good tennis in front of our fans, who we love," she said.
 
Krutova, who has been part of two NCAA Tournament teams and three championship teams (2013, 2015 Southland Tournament, 2014 Southland regular-season), doesn't hesitate citing her favorite tennis memory with the Lady Demons.
 
"Clinching the Southland Conference Tournament last year would be my career highlight, because I was able to score the clinching point," she said. "It's been a great experience."
 
She's hoping for one more tournament run later this month, that could carry NSU back into the NCAA Tournament for a second straight year. But first things first, two wins this weekend for the Lady Demons are atop her wish list.