NATCHITOCHES—Every single game for the Northwestern State soccer team has been a big one, and this one is no different.

NSU continues a three-match homestand, as the it takes on Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Friday at 7 p.m. at the Lady Demon Soccer Complex.

The Lady Demons (7-6-1 overall, 4-1-1 Southland) have a three-match unbeaten streak, and are 7-1-1 in their last nine games.

TAMU-CC (7-5-1, 4-1-1) is riding a three-match winning streak and five-contest unbeaten streak. The Islanders are fresh off an upset of Abilene Christian, which knocked the Wildcats from the ranks of the conference unbeaten.

In last year's meeting, April Trowbridge scored twice to lead the Lady Demons to a 3-0 victory in Corpus Christi.

The top six teams in the Southland Conference standings are separated by two points. NSU and TAMU-CC are tied for fourth with 13 points, along with Abilene Christian. UIW, Lamar and McNeese are tied at the top with 15 points.

NSU can clinch a spot in the conference tournament Friday night with a win and losses by Southeastern Louisiana and Houston Baptist

Olivia Draguicevich continues to lead the Lady Demons in both goals and points, as the freshman has five goals and 10 points total. Sophomore Jalen Donaldson is second on the team with five points and is tied for second with a pair of goals. She leads NSU in both shots (29) and shots on goal (17).

Defensively, the Lady Demons, led by a freshman and sophomore led back line, have allowed more than one goal just once in the past 10 games. The unit has been able to find the back of the net as well, as Natalee Henry has two goals and Hallie Field has one. Both have won the Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Week.

NSU has a two-headed monster at goalkeeper. Senior goalkeeper Kayla Bomben is in the midst of a terrific senior season, allowing seven goals in more than 644 minutes with a save percentage of 81.6 percent and a goals against average of 0.98. Her GAA is currently fourth in school history for a career, and her four shutouts (two this year) is tied for eighth.

Acelya Aydogmus has had a nice season as well, and the sophomore has allowed just two goals in her past four starts (322 minutes). Like Bomben, Aydogmus also has two shutouts, including at Stephen F. Austin in the conference opener. In her last start against Lamar, she made a season-high six saves.

TAMU-CC is led offensively by junior Abby Deakin, who leads the Islanders in every major offensive category. She has six goals and three assists. Her six goals and 15 points each rank her fifth in the conference.

At goalkeeper, Kyleigh Hall has won four Goalkeeper of the Week awards, including each of the last three. She has played every minute of every game for the Islanders and has posted six shutouts. Her miniscule 0.89 GAA and 84.4 save percentage are both among the best in the conference.

There will be free admission to all fans, thanks to the sponsorship of the Louisiana Army National Guard.

NSU rounds out the weekend with Senior Day Sunday against Houston Baptist, as the Lady Demons will honor seniors Jayden Wheeler, Courtney LeJeune and Bomben. The contest is at 1 p.m.
 
NOTE: Expect parking congestion due to Homecoming events and softball game on Friday night.