RUSTON — The Northwestern State softball team is feeling quite confident ahead of its non-conference matchup at Louisiana Tech on Tuesday at 6 p.m. The Lady Demons have won nine in a row, all within Southland Conference play, which marks their best start in league since 2015. 

NSU is receiving quality starts, the bats have heated up — especially early in the games — and the defense has made big plays at times. The challenge for the Lady Demons is to combine all three at a consistent rate.  

"We are still kind of all around it a little bit, putting all three phases together at once," head coach Donald Pickett said. "I like where we are at, and I like how we are continuing to move forward.

"I think they're pretty confident, but I think they know there's a lot more work to do."

Northwestern State has yet to trail in a Southland Conference game this season. That has played a large role in the Lady Demons outscoring its conference foes 63-10.

"I feel like when we get the momentum, we keep it a lot of times," Pickett said. "I think that's a big thing for us to come out there and continue to put the pressure on them, and take the game to them. I think that's how we need to play, and I think that's when we are at our best."

Freshman infielder Kat Marshall leads the offensive charge, batting .379 with five doubles, one triple and eight RBIs. Senior outfielder Hayley Barbazon isn't far behind with a .378 batting average, while junior pitcher E.C. Delafield rounds out the top three with a .346 average and 15 RBIs. 

Delafield also produces in the circle. She boasts a 5-1 record in 43.2 innings pitched with a 1.60 ERA and 37 strikeouts. 

Fellow junior pitcher Jensen Howell leads the team with 47 strikeouts in her 40.2 innings pitched. She owns a 5-3 record and a 4.30 ERA. Sophomore Bronte Rhoden holds a 4-2 record in 39 innings pitched with a 2.69 ERA and 34 strikeouts. 

Louisiana Tech stands at 9-13 overall, having taken two of three from Tulsa over the weekend. The Lady Techsters are 2-2 this season at Dr. Billy Bundrick Field. 

Louisiana Tech owns a 57-48 edge in the all-time series. And even though it's a non-conference game sandwiched in the middle of Southland Conference action, the Lady Demons aren't losing focus. 

"We are going to use it as a good time to game-like reps," senior outfielder Kaitlyn St. Clair said. "We want to beat everybody we play, so we are going to go out there and attack." 

Following the Louisiana Tech game, Northwestern State will return to conference play in Natchitoches. The Lady Demons host Central Arkansas in a three-game series beginning Friday at 3 p.m.