NATCHITOCHES – The Northwestern State tennis team, coming off short rest following a difficult 4-3 loss to Lamar Friday afternoon, now faces what could prove to be its largest challenge of the season. 

The Lady Demons are set to face perennial conference contenders Texas A&M Corpus-Christi on Sunday at 11 a.m. The Saturday gap between the weekend's two matches is crucial for the team in readying themselves for the Islanders. 

"(Saturday) will be a bit more about preparation than rest for us," head coach Jonas Brobeck said. "Maybe playing for an hour here and there, talking about and focusing on things we can improve upon. We like to focus less on the result of yesterday and focus in on the things we can do on the court and internally in order to win." 

Recent history suggests there's a good deal of importance on this match for both programs. The last three meetings between NSU and A&M Corpus-Christi have been decided by the final singles match of the day – one of which being a 4-3 victory in favor of the Lady Demons during the 2018 Southland Conference semifinals.  

A&M Corpus-Christi arrives in Natchitoches having amassed an impressive resume thus far this season. The Islanders currently sport a 10-1 record, their only loss being against Rice on Feb. 4. The Islanders currently riding a two-match win streak into tomorrow's competition, both victories having been against UT-Rio Grande Valley.  

"Tomorrow is going to be a great match," Brobeck said. "Corpus is a great team that is very well coached and always prepared. Either way, whoever comes to this court is going to have a hard time winning this year." 

The Lady Demons currently hold a 13-9 edge over the Islanders in their history of competition and will look to extend that gap in front of their fans tomorrow morning. 

"We always really appreciate the fans coming out and want to thank them for supporting us," Brobeck said. "Our team loves to go out and support the rest of athletics, but that's what it's really about. Our athletic department is a family. The fans being out there and encouraging our team definitely offers us an advantage that goes a long way." 

Competition against A&M Corpus-Christi begins with doubles at 11 a.m. at the Jack Fisher Tennis Complex. Attendance is free of charge and fans are encouraged to attend while adhering to state guidelines regarding the mitigation of COVID-19.