HUNTSVILLE, Texas -- Creating offensive opportunities hasn't been an issue for the Northwestern State soccer team this season as they lead the Southland Conference with 281 shots attempted.
 
But finishing those chances has been a little difficult for a team that's scored 30 of its SLC-high 33 goals in nonconference competition.
 
The Lady Demons (7-6, 1-4 SLC) will get another crack at putting balls in the back of the net Friday when they head to Sam Houston State (1-8-3, 0-3-2 SLC) for a 6:30 p.m. contest.
 
"We've got to continue to try and convert chances," said first-year co-head coach Jess Jobe. "(Sunday) was another example of us outshooting an opponent (14-12 edge on Abilene Christian) but coming up short (3-0 loss).
 
"We've got to figure out how to convert chances into goals. And we have to continue to believe that we are right there and that some things are going to come together for us. We have to continue to push and fight and claw and grind."
 
All three of NSU's goals in conference play came this past week in a 3-1 win against Incarnate Word.
 
NSU gained a foothold in 10^th place in the 12-team league, but the Lady Demons know they'll need to generate offense to contend for one of eight tournament spots with six regular season games remaining.
 
Freshman Kiara Padilla, who's role in the attack is expanding each week, said she knows her teammates will put forth the required effort.
 
"We're definitely working hard to get opportunities in front of the goal," said Padilla, who graduated from the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts while playing her soccer at Leesville High. "We just have to have confidence behind the ball to finish those chances.
 
"I've grown so much as a player since I've been here, and I'm enjoying playing more often. I try to bring up the energy and level of play whether I'm a starter or a sub."
 
Padilla (one goal) started her first career match at Lamar and has played a key reserve role.
 
Sophomore Brittany Cecil is also new to the NSU attack.
 
Cecil, who played as a midfielder and defender as a freshman, has evolved into a forward in her first serious offensive role of her entire soccer career.
 
"It's definitely getting easier -- I had a lot to learn at the beginning," said Cecil, who has created multiple offensive chances with her hustle this season. "I had to figure out how to change my frame of thought playing this position.
 
"We've had a lot of team chemistry in the way we move the ball, and we've put ourselves in great position to score. As far as finishing, I know for me personally, I need to stay calmer on the ball and just try and find the back of the net. I know the more chances we take, we'll find it."
 
Senior April Trowbridge leads the NSU attack with a conference-leading 11 goals, which is also tied for fifth best in NSU single-season history.
 
Trowbridge and fellow senior Brittany Caserma (six goals) are both in the top 10 in NSU career history with 20 and 22 goals, respectively.
 
NSU still has plenty of time to make up ground and qualify for the SLC Tournament starting Oct. 31 in Beaumont, Texas.
 
Friday's game represents the midpoint in league play, and the Lady Demons are two points away from current tournament qualifiers.
 
"It certainly helped to get our first three points this past weekend and takes some pressure off," Jobe said. "But we had our sights on six points … and we need to start putting entire weekends together.
 
"This weekend is a little bit easier just because we have one opponent to focus on, and that simplifies things not having to worry about a Sunday game."
 
But just because SHSU doesn't have an SLC win doesn't mean the Bearkats are easy pickings. SHSU has tied the top two teams in the league in Houston Baptist (4-0-1 SLC) and Lamar (3-0-1).
 
SHSU will attempt to break an eight-match winless streak after topping Utah State in its opener.
 
NSU will have a few friendly faces with 10 Texans on its roster, but Cecil especially expects to hear a few cheers come her way.
 
The Katy, Texas, native won't be too far from home in Huntsville before playing at even closer Houston Baptist in the next two contests.
 
"It's really exciting because I hadn't had any family members come out to my games yet," Cecil said. "My (nuclear) family just moved to Tennessee, but I'll have a lot of 'family-ish" members out there to support us.
 
"It's fun to have your own little fan group to play for."