NATCHITOCHES – With a win at its back and the opportunity to take another step forward, the Northwestern State soccer team turns toward its second opponent of the weekend.

In the last of a four-match home stand, the Lady Demons (1-3-2, 1-0 SLC) host Nicholls (0-4, 0-1 SLC) on Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Lady Demon Soccer Complex and will be broadcast on nsudemons.com for those who are unable to attend.

Having gained a foothold with a 1-0 victory Friday against spring Southland Tournament champions Southeastern Louisiana, head coach Stuart Gore recognizes the opportunity for the Lady Demons to make a statement Sunday against Nicholls.

"Getting our first win on the season is a huge weight off our shoulders, and definitely going to serve as fuel for this team moving forward," Gore said.

Southland Goalkeeper of the year Acelya Aydogmus put on another clinic Friday evening, making three key saves against SLU and securing the Lady Demons' second shut out of the season.

"Ace showed Friday night, and has shown throughout this season why she's the reigning Southland Conference Goalkeeper of the year," Gore said. "She just eats pressure. Having her as our last line of defense really is invaluable to us."

In a historic, shortened spring 2021 campaign, Aydogmus and a vaunted Lady Demon defense recorded nine shutouts, good for the nation's 15^th best shutout percentage (.643) and a new program record.

With NSU's second shutout of the season and the 17^th of Aydogmus' abbreviated career at NSU (played as a freshman at Troy in 2018, then had 2020 season shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic), the Lady Demons' prized keeper is three away from claiming the all-time spot – a record which has held since 2002.

Through the Lady Demons' first seven matches, sophomore midfielder Kyle Nolen has been the tip of the spear on the attack. Tacking on an assist and a single shot attempt against SLU, Nolen now leads NSU in offensive production with 2 goals, an assist, and six shot attempts, four of which were shots on goal.

"Kyle leads by example and gives everything for the team," Gore said. "She has fantastic technical abilities and can be dangerous from anywhere with the ball at her feet."

The Lady Demons currently maintain a commanding 26-2-2 overall record over Nicholls. Their last loss to the Colonels having come in the 2019 regular season.