NATCHITOCHES, La. – The Northwestern State Demons return to action Saturday at 1 p.m. when they host the Houston Christian University Huskies in Southland Conference play at Prather Coliseum.

The Demons (1-14, 0-1 in SLC) are looking to bounce back from Thursday's setback to UIW (5-8, 1-0 in SLC) 3-0 in the Southland opener. NSU fell behind early 15-7 in the opening set before losing the match 25-12, 25-17 and 25-19.

"It's hard to be a division I athlete," said Demon head coach Ben Kaszeta. "But we are still battling regardless of the score. We just haven't learned how to do it. These freshmen are having to learn what it takes to win at this level with the very few upper classmen we have. But we will continue to compete and fight hard each match including Saturday."

The Huskies (6-8, 0-1 in SLC) won the conference opener beating the East Texas A&M Lions (2-10, 0-1 SLC) 3-0 in Houston 25-21, 25-23 and 25-17. HCU finished with 50 kills to 39 for the Lions.

NSU enters Saturday's contest led by Deja Benjamin with 113 kills while Reagan Hamm has 216 assists. Jade Longlad continues to lead the Southland in aces with 29.
HCU is anchored by Allana Archie. The junior out of Spring, Texas leads the Huskies in kills (116) and blocks (36).

As for the head-to-head matchup, the Huskies lead the all-time series 17-7 and won eight of the last 10 over the Demons.