NATCHITOCHES, La. – For the first time in the 2025 season, the Northwestern State tennis team plays in front of the home crowd at the Jack Fisher Tennis Complex when it goes up against North Texas on Sunday at 11 a.m.
 
Second-year head coach Marcos Morelli and the Lady Demons (0-2) aim to bounce back at home after last weekend's battles against UT Chattanooga and Southern Miss.
 
North Texas (3-2) come into this match after starting the season winning in convincing fashion against SLC opponent McNeese 7-0 before traveling to UT Tyler and winning that battle 6-1. The Mean Green enter the game against the Lady Demons after matching up against fellow Louisiana school, Louisiana Tech.
 
"It is very important to take advantage of these matches to compete and get better," Morelli said. "North Texas is a tough opponent, so I am looking forward to seeing good tennis."
 
The last time the Lady Demons and the Mean Green matched up was in 2020 when NSU was outmatched, losing 5-2.
 
After playing on the road to begin the season, coach Morelli is excited for his team to be back in Natchitoches playing in front of the home crowd.
 
The Lady Demons come into this match suffering back-to-back losses against UT Chattanooga 6-1, where sophomore Honoka Umeda came up big for the Demons in her singles match victory.
 
Lady Demons' newcomers junior Zoi Spyro and freshman Valeria Ortega won their doubles match against UT Chattanooga's Margaret Manolache and Zara Burns.
 
The Lady Demons' matchup against Southern Miss didn't go their way, but saw improvements in a 4-2 loss.
 
Spyrou and sophomore Maria Farina picked up wins for the Lady Demons in their singles matchups.
 
In doubles, freshman Pika Doberlet and senior captain Tjasa Klevisar got their first doubles win of the season against USM's Jordan Parker and Talia Wunnenberg.
 
"We want to stay consistent throughout the match," says Morelli. "We got to have a good start in doubles, and to compete consistently in all six singles matches."
 
After Sunday's matchup, the Demons stay home for a state battle against NAIA power LSU-Alexandria on Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Jack Fisher Complex before heading to Alabama for a date against South Alabama on Friday, starting at 11 a.m.