NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The stakes couldn't be higher for the Northwestern State women's tennis team as they close out the regular season on the road against longtime rival Stephen F. Austin on Saturday. 

The match will begin at 10 a.m. at the Schlief Tennis Complex. 

With a win, the Lady Demons (9-6 8-0) claim the outright Southland Conference regular season championship, capping off a dominant conference run with a title all to themselves. With a win, the Lady Demons also become the fourth team in school history to go undefeated in SLC play, dating back to 2010, when they won the tournament.  

"It would be something truly special, but at the end of the day, it's all about the team," said head coach Marcos Morelli. "They've put in the work, and I'm just proud to be along for the ride with them." 

A loss would create a three-way tie at the top with SFA and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. 

Northwestern State enters the match riding a wave of momentum, having won five straight matches.  

From the top of the order to the bottom, the Lady Demons have found ways to win key points in tight situations. 

Seniors Tjasa Klevisar and Ayu Ishibashi have been the anchors for the Lady Demons.  

Klevisar is rocking a 7-4 record in singles, including a 6-2 record in SLC play. With a win in doubles, the senior can solidify herself as the 20th all-time in career doubles wins at NSU with 43, tied with Sara Jones from 1987-89. 

Ishibashi holds an 8-2 record on the season and a 6-2 record in SLC play. With a win, Ishibashi would be fifth in NSU history in career singles win percentages with a 43-12 record over her entire Lady Demons tenure.  

Sofi Garcia could make some history as well. With a win, the junior would crack the top 10 in career singles win percentage, going 28-11. A win in doubles, she will also be bumped into the top 25 in career win percentage in doubles. 

The Ladyjacks (13-6, 7-1) have been tough on their home court and would love nothing more than to earn a share of the Southland Conference crown. 

"We're expecting a tough match," said head coach Marcos Morelli. "They're a strong team, and we know it'll be a battle from start to finish. Our focus is on the basics—compete with effort, support one another, and take it one point at a time." 

One match. One goal. A chance to be the sole champion. 

The match will mark the end of the regular season for the Lady Demons, who now set their sights on the Southland Conference Tournament in Thibodaux, beginning April 23.