BEAUMONT, Texas — Northwestern State tennis continues its fall season this weekend, competing in the Joe Pyburn Invitational, hosted by Lamar.

The three-day tournament gives the Lady Demons another chance to test themselves against strong regional competition as the fall schedule nears its close.

Play begins Friday morning at the Thompson Family Tennis Center in Beaumont and continues through Sunday.

Head coach Marcos Morelli said the weekend is another measuring stick for a group that has shown steady growth throughout the fall.

"This weekend is another good opportunity for us to compete and see where we are as a group," Morelli said. "We've had a solid fall, and I want to see the girls commit to our style from the first match to the last. Effort, discipline and staying in the moment are the main things I'm looking for."

NSU enters the event looking to build on consistent performances across multiple tournaments this fall.

Senior Zoi Spyrou has delivered several comeback wins in singles play, while Honoka Umeda has remained steady as one of the Lady Demons' top performers.

The doubles pairing of Maria Farina and Umeda continues to strengthen its chemistry, showing progress in tight matches at the Southland Fall Masters.

"What I really like about this group is how invested they are in the program," Morelli said. "Every player has taken ownership of her process. They've all improved in different areas, whether it's fitness, decision-making or just competing point to point. That tells me they're buying in."

The Lady Demons are facing familiar opponents from across the Southland Conference, including host Lamar, Southeastern, and McNeese, among others. Morelli said the tournament sets up well for what NSU wants to evaluate heading into the spring.

"It's going to be a very competitive tournament," Morelli said. "We're going to see some of the best teams in the region, so it's a good measuring stick for us before the spring. We want to match that level, see how our doubles teams hold up, and identify the details we need to sharpen."

As NSU wraps up its fall slate, Morelli said he has been encouraged by the group's progression.

"I'm proud of the work they've put in this fall," he said. "The girls worked really hard on and off the court, and you can see the progression from the first tournament to now."