NATCHITOCHES –Northwestern State volleyball takes the next step towards a new season Saturday and the first step into the next phase of the program.
 
The Lady Demons host UL-Lafayette in an exhibition match at 2 p.m., the first on-campus fall competition since 2019, ushering in the start of a new season and the first action for a slew of new faces.
 
A highly touted freshman class, as well as Houston transfer Symone Wesley, take the Prather Coliseum floor for the first time having already completed a critical task for head coach Sean Kiracofe – meeting a need.
 
"They've come along really quickly," said Kiracofe. "We knew from a few years ago there was going to be a transition from the 2020 season to this season, but we felt like this class would file roles and compliment last year's class really well and they have. 
 
"They've had their little bumps along the way that come with being freshmen and learning some new language, but they've all done a great job of jumping in and just going."
 
The next wave of Lady Demon standouts is here, taking over for the Class of 2019 that led the team to a 20-win season and postseason play.
 
Nearly two full weeks of practices have given the newcomers a chance to acclimate to the new expectation while getting to know their new teammates.
 
"The past week has been really good," said freshman Ashlyn Svoboda, who will take her first college swings Saturday. "I feel like all of us get along and click really well. It's good getting to play next to new people and I'm already comfortable with most of them and playing next to them."
 
"I'm excited for this weekend," added Wesley. "I'm excited to get back on the court especially with this group of girls. They've all been so welcoming and brought me in with open arms.
We've been putting in a lot of work and we've seen a lot of improvement through practice since our open gyms during the summer. Just excited to see how it goes."
 
Svoboda and Wesley will be among the first new faces to see action on Saturday. Freshmen Kate Idrogo, Piper Boydstun and Perry Flannigan are also expected to see their first collegiate action during the four-set affair.
 
As with every exhibition, the center point is evaluation of yourself and where you stand in the final preparations for the beginning of the regular season.
 
"We're at a point now where we've done a great job of getting used to each other and now it comes down to seeing what works and doesn't work," he said. "We know what works against us, but another team is going to present something that works for them or stop something we feel works for us. So, we're at the point now of making those adjustments in match going into when we start playing different teams."
 
NSU begins the regular season next week in New Orleans at the Tulane Invite.