NATCHITOCHES, La. –  The Northwestern State Demons were defeated at home by the Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks (25-17, 25-23 and 25-12) Saturday afternoon at Prather Coliseum in Southland Conference volleyball action.

The Demons (1-23, 0-10 SLC) came out ready to compete against the conference favorites SFA as the match was tied at 9-9 following a kill by Olivia Bush. However, the Ladyjacks (14-7, 9-1 SLC) went on an 8-2 run to take a 17-11 lead before winning the first set by eight points.

In the second set, NSU played quite possibly the best frame of the season. They matched the Ladyjacks through much of the set as the Demons had 13 kills and just six errors. NSU rallied to push SFA to the brink trailing 24-23 following a kill by Bush. However, SFA won the set on a kill by Isabella Ortiz to hold off valiant second set performance by the Demons.

"We almost stole that set from them," said Demon head coach Ben Kaszeta. "I thought our upperclassmen played really well today which kept us in the game. I thought we passed and served awesome today which helped give us a chance."

In the third set, the Ladyjacks took control as they led 13-4 before running away with the set to pick up the win.

"That's a really good team," said Kaszeta. "I'm glad we were able to compete the way we did but they're well respected in this conference for a reason, and they showed that in the last set."

NSU finished with 31 kills led by Samaya Wesson with 10 and Bush with eight. SFA had 46 as Camryn Hill and Kennedy Jones had 13 and 10 kills, respectively. Both finished with double doubles as Hill added digs while Jones had 11.

Next up, the Demons will take on the University of Incarnate Word Thursday night at 6 p.m. in San Antonio, Texas as Southland play continues.