NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State tennis team is set to begin its 12-match homestand, starting with LSU-Alexandria for the home opener Friday at the Jack Fisher Tennis Complex. 

First serve is set for 3 p.m. 

NSU (0-2) is coming off a tough 4-3 loss at Tulane. 

"Even though things did not go our way last weekend, it was a great match because we saw all the things we have practiced being put into play," head coach Marcos Morelli said. 

Honoka Umeda and Ayu Ishibashi competed together in doubles and won on No. 3. 

"She's also Japanese and that helps because we can support each other and enjoy the match," Umeda said. 

Ishibashi gained her second SLC Player of the Week earlier this week, after her singles match against the Green Wave tied the score 3-3. 

Paige Wise, junior from South Africa, fell to Tulane in a three-set thriller, 4-6, 7-6, 6-1. 

NSU and LSUA have met ten times before, with the Lady Demons leading 10-0. 

LSUA, a perennial power in the NAIA, is playing the match as an exhibition, its second straight exhibition against a Division I team, having played at Louisiana Tech already. 

Olivia Scattini, the No. 1 singles player for the Generals, is ranked No. 10 in singles in the NAIA and is No. 4 in doubles with partner Annemart Kleijn. 

Kleijn also was a Second Team All-American last season. 

The Generals are having to replace First Team All-American Candela Bonivardi. 

Following the match, NSU rounds out the weekend by welcoming Southern Miss to Natchitoches. 

"Playing at home is a big difference and helps build the girls confidence early in the season", Morelli said.