MONROE – The Northwestern State soccer team is aiming to dust itself off when the Lady Demons travel to in-state foe ULM on Friday at 4 p.m.
 
After NSU scored its second-most goals in program history with a 12-0 win against LSUS on Aug. 18, the Lady Demons suffered an 8-0 loss at Ole Miss in a performance head coach George Van Linder said was "disappointing."
 
Van Linder added that his players have refocused in practice and are ready to face a difficult opponent on the road.

"(The Ole Miss game) left a bad taste in our mouth for sure," Van Linder said. "We lost at ULM a couple years ago, and all of our focus is on that game now.
 
"ULM has a new coaching staff, and they are doing some good things. We're expecting a hard-fought game, and we're coming in with a lot of energy."
 
ULM (0-2) lost to TCU 5-0 and McNeese 1-0 in coach Keyton Wheelock's first two contests.
 
The Warhawks have won the last two matchups against NSU, including a 2-1 overtime victory in Monroe in 2015. NSU leads the all-time series 13-7-2.
 
Van Linder is eager for his team to be in a close match for the first time this season after two blowouts in the opening weekend.
 
"The great thing for us is that we expect a close game after not having one last weekend," Van Linder said. "We've focused on the little things and little details that hurt us the past couple of games.
 
"We hope that'll be the difference, and we'll be disappointed if little mistakes cost us a result."
 
Friday's match against ULM is the only contest of the weekend. NSU returns to Natchitoches on Sept. 1 to face Texas State.
 
Twenty-five players received at least 20 minutes of playing time in the opening weekend, including seven freshmen.
 
"The young players have responded in a really positive manner," Van Linder said. "Experiencing college soccer for the first time is an eye-opening experience.
 
"A lot of players have experience in the exhibitions and the opening weekend. I hope it makes them more comfortable."