NATCHITOCHES—With an early lead in the Southland Conference with a 4-0 record, Northwestern State tennis will hopefully use its determination and team trust to widen its lead this weekend with home games against Southeastern Louisiana and UNO.

The Lady Demons (8-5, 4-0 SLC) begin their second SLC home weekend with SLU (4-7, 1-2) on Saturday at 11 a.m. and UNO (7-5, 1-1) on Sunday at 11 a.m.

"I've been very happy so far with all of our players out there," said head coach Patric DuBois. "They all fight very hard for each and every point. I'm very impressed with their tenacious abilities out there."

Opponents have consistently put NSU's willingness to battle to the test in the young SLC season.

Starting SLC play at home, the Lady Demons defeated Sam Houston State 4-3 after prevailing in three tie-breaking third sets and surpassing a 2-2 overall tie.

Just in last week's Friday match against McNeese, Sophomore Judit Castillo overcame a 1-6 first-set miss to dominate second and third sets 6-2, 6-3 and clinch the match which also broke an overall 3-3 tie.

 Since NSU started SLC play, the Lady Demons have claimed two consecutive Southland Conference Women's Tennis Player of the Week awards.

Junior Polina Mutel earned the award on March 6 after her performances during conference-opening weekend wins over Sam Houston State and Lamar.

Sophomore and transfer Ela Iwaniuk received the award Tuesday following her road sweep at McNeese and Nicholls.

 "We are doing a really great job trusting each other," said sophomore Ela Iwaniuk. "We are working pretty hard, and we have a really good process. I think we are going to do well."

After marking a 6-5 conference record last season, this weekend's matches pose the chance to equal the number of wins.

The Lady Demons have beaten Southeastern in their last four meetings, but DuBois expects similar relentless competition from the Lions.

UNO defeated the Lady Demons 5-2 this past season after NSU had won the previous four meetings.

"Both these teams will be out there on each court fighting for every point and willing to keep a lot of balls in play," said DuBois. "Both matches will probably be long and difficult in their own rights."