NATCHITOCHES – Winning is fun, and Northwestern State volleyball has been having a blast the past three weeks of the season.
 
The Lady Demons (14-7, 6-1 SLC) carry a six-match winning streak into their Saturday tilt with McNeese at Prather Coliseum, the first of three straight home matches that begins the second half of the conference slate.
 
Complimentary admission for this match, and all home matches this year, is courtesy of the Louisiana National Guard. Live coverage links are available through www.nsudemons.com.
 
Saturday's match is also a part of the NSU Athletic Department's once-a-semester fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society. Fans can donate or purchase $5 raffle tickets for a teal YETI
45 Tundra Cooler to be given away at halftime of the football game.
 
Donation tables complete with teal buttons, stickers, ribbons and cups will be set up at match.
 
The evidence is clear when seeing the team on the floor, in practice or game situation, the Lady Demons have having fun playing volleyball.
 
"Good season, bad season I think that we always find a way to entertain ourselves," coach Sean Kiracofe said. "The time constraints of being a student-athlete are incredible. There are long days with a lot going on and it's not easy. 
 
"We find a way to make it fun. Obviously, they love volleyball, we have fun in practice, and have a good time on the road. It's a great group and we have a good time with what we're doing."
 
The bond the team shares off the floor has translated directly into their impressive play on it. Each player knowing their roles on the team and maintaining the trust with each other they have built since the August 30^thopener at Arkansas.
 
"I think it's a confidence individually and a trust in your teammates that they're going to do their job as long as you do your job," Kiracofe said. "It's a great chemistry going on right now and it's fun to be a part of."
 
The Lady Demons bring their confidence and trust into another match this week with a hint of revenge on their minds.
 
After taking down Central Arkansas on Tuesday, a small answer to the 3-2 loss to the Sugar Bears in last year's conference tournament at Prather, NSU hopes to avenge a 3-0 loss at McNeese the last time the two met.
 
The Cowgirls (8-11, 1-6 SLC) have hit a rough patch in their season, losing their last four matches in a row and seven of their last eight overall. Their only conference win came in a 3-0 sweep of Abilene Christian.
 
The Cowgirl offense struggled in their last outing at New Orleans, succumbing to the potent Privateer block, and hitting -.095 in the three-set sweep. Despite the low numbers, the offense has the ability to score, and one that Kiracofe is aware could prove interesting.
 
"For the last few years they've have a somewhat unique offense, which has changed a little bit again," Kiracofe said "It's a little bit more conventional is the best way I can explain it, so I think that plays in our favor. 
 
"But we've also done a good job of absorbing the scout the week prior and putting that into effect. Doesn't always turn out well. The last time we played them, at their place, they won in three. But I'm very confident in what we're capable of doing against anybody from a scout standpoint."
 
Saturday's match is the first of three consecutive home matches for the Lady Demons. NSU hosts Abilene Christian and Stephen F. Austin next Thursday and Saturday respectively.
 
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