NATCHITOCHES –After nearly a month of road matches, Northwestern State volleyball makes its 2022 home debut on Tuesday night.
 
Following an intense weekend with three five-set matches in the span of 26 hours, the Lady Demons (6-5) host Texas Southern (0-10) at 6:30 p.m. in Prather Coliseum. 
 
The match will be the first live home event streamed through the ESPN+ network with the Patrick Netherton providing play-by-play.
 
"The first home match is always a lot of fun," head coach Sean Kiracofe said. "Texas Southern is a lot like Southern in that they've already played some other Southland teams and they are pushing them in sets. 
 
"I believe that we have the advantage in some matchups, but we still have to go out there, produce and be efficient when you touch the ball. But we're looking forward to being at home and being able to put that match away if we do the things we need to do."
 
Of the 22 sets NSU played through their five matches a week ago, 11 were decided by the minimum two points with five of those going beyond the requited 25 points needed to decide a winner.
 
The Lady Demons got tremendous individual performances throughout the week, whether it was Symone Wesley's four double-doubles, libero Ashlyn Svoboda's anchoring of the backline or Jordan Gamble's efficiency at the net on both offense and defense.
 
The primary takeaway from the ferocity of the week was the fight and competitiveness NSU showed through each serve.
 
"It was a really crazy weekend," Wesley said. "I'm really proud of how we were able to finish and compete through some really tough matches. I think we learned how to be there for each other, how to compete and be resilient and push through."
 
While the schedule for the coming week is not quite as intense, the Lady Demons begin a stretch of four games in six days on Tuesday with Texas Southern. Road trips to Lamar, McNeese and UIW on next Monday account for the next three matches following the home opener.
 
Like they did a week ago, the Lady Demons remain focused on who's next and carrying the same competitive nature into that match.
 
"It feels awesome to finally be home and not be on the road for 10-plus days it feels like," Svoboda said. "Our first home match I think all of us are going to have some nerves in front of a home crowd, but I think it's going to be awesome."