NATCHITOCHES -- Northwestern State soccer head coach George Van Linder always says the Southland Conference is a battle where seemingly minor details can decide the victor.
 
The recent series with Sam Houston State illustrates that concept with the last two games decided in overtime and six of the last eight meetings decided by one goal.
 
The Lady Demons (5-7, 1-4 Southland Conference,), who've won those two overtime matches, could use more of the late-game magic when the Bearkats (4-7, 1-4 SLC) visit Friday at 7 p.m. as part of NSU's 'Fork Cancer' efforts.
 
Donations will be collected for the American Cancer Society, and fans can receive a pink 'Fork Cancer' shirt.
 
"We always expect a fight with Sam Houston, it's such a battle with them," Van Linder said. "They're really well-coached, and we hope it's not another overtime match, but if it is, it is.
 
"We feel like our offense made strides this past weekend, and we're getting where we need to go."
 
Both of NSU's late-game heroes will be on the field Friday.
 
Senior Esdeina Gonzalez scored a goal with just 10 seconds left in double overtime in 2015, and junior Brittany Caserma slammed home a rebound in overtime in 2016.
 
Even the players credited with the assists are current players. Junior Jacqueline Manza found a streaking Gonzalez, while junior April Trowbridge put the shot on frame that allowed Caserma's goal.
 
"It's been fighting, scratching, clawing to get close wins," said Caserma, who's six goals this season is tied for the SLC lead. "We have to win 50-50 balls, and make plays at the end.
 
"We still have opportunities in front of us, and we aren't out of the (conference tournament) race. We had a really good talk as a team after Sunday's tough loss (6-2 at Abilene Christian), and we just need to come out and play as a team and as a family."
 
The Lady Demons and Bearkats are two of three teams sitting at the bottom of the SLC standings at 1-4 (with Incarnate Word).
 
Southeastern (1-2-2 SLC) holds the eighth and final conference tournament spot, but NSU plays four of the last six conference matches at home.
 
Another impact player to watch is junior Jasmine Juarez, who is scheduled to graduate this spring and is likely in her final season.
 
Juarez, who missed almost all of this past season with a foot injury, supplied the assist on Caserma's game-winning goal to beat Incarnate Word this past Friday.
 
The Oklahoma native has two goals and an assist despite averaging 32 minutes per match with just three starts.
 
"Friday's win was exhilarating, and when coach said to warm up in the second half, I know that it's my time to go in and do my job," said Juarez, who scored the game winner at ULM earlier this season. "I just wanted to place the corner kick somewhere that one of players could get it, and Caserma hit it in.
 
"It's a privilege to play. When I'm on the sidelines, I cheer on my team and yell my heart out. Whenever it's my time to go in … whether it's for 15 minutes or longer, I'll give you everything."