NATCHITOCHES—Over the past two contests, the Northwestern State soccer team has turned up the defense, and that stingy unit leads it into its second consecutive home game against Jackson State on Friday at the Lady Demon Soccer Complex.

The game begins at 6 p.m. and is being televised on ESPN+.

In the last two games, Northwestern (0-4-1) has surrendered just one goal after allowing a total of 17 in the previous three contests.

"I think we have improved a lot over the last couple of weeks," head coach Ian Brophy said. "I think we have even seen that even when the results haven't been going as well. But now I think we are seeing some of that pay off."

It is the second consecutive match at home and the second match of a string of five of six at the friendly confines of the Soccer Complex.

Despite allowing 34 shots in the last two games, the defense limited the dangerous opportunities as the back line only allowed seven of those shots to be on goal.

"I think we have a good connection in the back line, with three of us being returners and one freshman coming into our starting lineup," Jessica Spitzer said. "Our strong connection and our ability to rely on each other is really helping us in these games."

Libe Banuelos, the last line of defense as the goalkeeper, was honored for her efforts as she was named the Southland Conference Goalkeeper of the Week.

Banuelos made six stops in seven attempts, including all three in a shutout in a scoreless tie last time out in the home opener against Abilene Christian.

"She only had to make three saves against Abilene, but they were three big ones," Brophy said. "Overall, even in games prior to that, she has been on fire. She's been playing at a very high level all year and I am happy to see her be recognized."

Her 32 saves rank second in the conference, only trailing McNeese's Jackie Kelly's 43.

JSU (0-3-1) has scored in every game so far, including two goals in its first game, a tie at home against Southern Illinois.

Since then, the Tigers have lost three in a row, including a pair against Southland Conference opponents—a 2-1 loss at McNeese and a 3-1 loss to Southeastern Louisiana last time out.

Defensively, JSU has surrendered at least two goals in every game, including four in a loss at Louisiana Tech on Aug. 29.

Overall, Northwestern State has won all 12 meetings with the Tigers, winning all 12 meetings in shutout fashion, including the 2023 matchup which saw the Lady Demons pick up their second consecutive victory, winning 2-0 in Jackson, Miss.

This season, the Lady Demons are looking for their first goal of the season but proved to be close to breaking through. Northwestern State had multiple golden opportunities to score in the scoreless tie last game against Abilene Christian.

In the game, the Lady Demons attempted eight shots, including five on goal, both of which are season highs.

"It's just a matter of time before we find the back of the net," Isabella Ruggiano said. "We've had a lot of attacks in the past few games and I think this weekend is a great opportunity to get one in the back of the net.

"The biggest thing for us is to just keep at it. If we keep doing what we're doing, hopefully we'll get some points on the board."

The Lady Demons round out the weekend with a trip to Alabama A&M on Sunday before coming home for three consecutive games, starting with a visit from Tarleton State and ending with the SLC Opener against Nicholls.