NATCHITOCHES – The Northwestern State women's tennis team begins its fall season by hosting the Lady Demon Collegiate Invitational.

The tournament begins at 8:30 a.m. on Friday at the Jack Fisher Tennis Complex and will be completed on Saturday.

"We just want the girls to compete and transition what they have been working on in practice into match play," first year head coach Marcos Morelli said. "They have all been working hard and having good quality practices, so we are excited to see them compete."

NSU welcomes fellow Southland Conference members Lamar and Southeastern Louisiana, as well as Tyler Junior College and Southern Miss.

The Lady Demons return four players: Sofi Garcia, Ayu Ishibashi, Tjasa Klevisar and Paige Wise. Wise was awarded First-team All-SLC in singles, while Ishibashi was chosen for second team. Garcia was awarded Second-team All-SLC for doubles with her partner Dorota Szczygielska.

NSU has added three newcomers to its roster: freshmen Sara Erenda, Maria Farina and Honoka Umeda.

The players will play as individuals and there will not be team scores.

"The new girls have connected perfectly to our dynamic and our culture," said Morelli. "We are looking forward to watching them compete as well."