NATCHITOCHES— After playing its first five dual matches of 2018 on the road, the Northwestern State tennis team excitedly anticipates hosting matches Sunday and Monday against Texas State and UT San Antonio at the Jack Fisher Tennis Complex.
 
Inclement weather readjusted the Lady Demon weekend schedule to begin Sunday against UTSA, and shuffled the Texas State match, initially slated Saturday, back to Monday. Both matches begin with doubles play at 11 a.m.
 
NSU has resiliently fought the rains throughout the entirety of its young season.
 
"Every other day we're on standby for when we can practice," head coach Patric DuBois said. "We're dealing with these challenges the best we can, and we'll be ready for this weekend."
 
Earlier this week threats of rain postponed NSU's doubleheader in Ruston against Louisiana Tech and Grambling.

A makeup date for the Louisiana Tech match was announced Friday for Mar. 27 at 1 p.m., however, the Grambling match remains undetermined.
 
This did allow the Lady Demons additional time to polish up for their home-opening weekend.
 
"We got out on the courts immediately. We're excited to finally play at home," DuBois said.
 
"We're used to these courts, and we just love having our supporters who do a wonderful job for us. They give us an extra boost. It's the whole package at home."
 
Historically, the Lady Demons have drawn quite the crowd of supportive, local tennis enthusiasts to the Jack Fisher Tennis Complex.
 
"We can't wait to see our fans," junior Polina Mutel said. "Everyone has been working hard, and we can't wait to play."
 
NSU (1-4) fell short last season on the road against both UTSA (3-2) and Texas State (0-3).
 
Coming off a 6-1 loss last week at SMU, the Lady Demons hope the home atmosphere will be the key to momentum.
 
"We're playing better as the season goes on," said DuBois. "With the people pretty loud, excited, and enthusiastic, it all helps and the girls really play their best tennis."
 
After the UTSA and Texas State matches, NSU will go back on the road until March 2 when Southland Conference play begins against Sam Houston State.