FORT WORTH, Texas – The Northwestern State tennis team aims to pick up right where it left off in the 2023 season, as it starts its 2024 season on the road against TCU.

The match begins Saturday at 3 p.m. at the Bartzen Varsity Courts.

The Lady Demons fell short in the 2023 conference tournament, but first year head coach Marcos Morelli wants to keep focus on his team.

"We feel great, very confident with the team," said Morelli.

Tjasa Klevisar leads a group of four returners and three newcomers.

A junior from Slovenia, Klevisar is becoming more comfortable as she heads into her third season as a Lady Demon.

"I am building my confidence every year," Klevisar said. "This will be a good start for the beginning of the season."

Klevisar finished the 2023 season with 5-2 during conference and 14-5 in singles at No. 1 and 2.

Newcomers include Sara Erenda, who has an 8.53 rating and is ranked 463 in the Tennis Recruiting Network, Honoka Umeda, who has a 9.14 rating and is ranked 144 in TRN and 327 in the International Tennis Federation and Maria Farina, who has a 9.16 rating and is 126 in TRN and 878 in ITF.

"These girls have a team aspect. They are team players and put the team first," Morelli said. "We are very happy to have them."

By receiving the three freshmen in the fall, the Lady Demons have had the opportunity to learn how to work together.

Along with Klevisar, Ayu Ishibashi, Sofi Garcia, and Paige Wise all return.

Ishibashi went 12-6 in singles at No. 1 and 2 overall and 5-2 during conference play. She also earned 2023 Second-team All-SLC, No. 2 singles.

Wise earned First-team All-SLC, No. 3 singles, going 5-2 in conference and 10-7 overall.

In doubles, Garcia earned second-team All-SLC at No.3 doubles with partner Dorota Szczygielska.

Following the trip to Fort Worth, the Lady Demons head to New Orleans for a match against Tulane on Jan. 27 at noon.