NATCHITOCHES — The Northwestern State Lady Demons women's tennis team finally opens play at home on Thursday, hosting Jackson State at the Jack Fisher Lady Demon Tennis Complex.

First doubles are scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.

Thursday's matchup serves as a makeup contest after the original meeting, scheduled for last weekend, was postponed due to Winter Storm Fern, delaying the home opener by just a few days.

NSU (1–1) enters the home opener following a challenging opening weekend in Baton Rouge.

The Lady Demons opened the season against No. 5 LSU before responding with a convincing 6–1 victory over Xavier (La.) the following day.

"Last weekend showed our group's willingness to compete at a high level and respond the right way," head coach Marcos Morelli said. "Facing a nationally ranked team and then bouncing back the next day gave us valuable experience and confidence in our approach."

The Lady Demons opened the day against Xavier by sweeping doubles play, as the pairings of Pika Doberlet and Maria Farina, along with freshman duo Martina Acebedo Bonocore and Athina Grigoriadou, each earned decisive 6–0 victories.

NSU carried that momentum into singles play, winning five of six matches.

Honoka Umeda set the tone at the top of the lineup with a 6–0, 6–2 victory over Ana Sabikova, while Farina followed with a 6–1, 6–4 win against Maja Brnic.

Acebedo Bonocore added a straight-set win over Valeria Ortega, 6–3, 6–1, and Doberlet posted a 6–1, 6–1 victory against Anais Yakan.

Lolita Hukasian rounded out the scoring with a 6–2, 6–2 decision over Sanai LeSure.

Xavier's lone point came at No. 3 singles, where McKenna Wheatley edged Athina Grigoriadou in a tightly contested 6–3, 7–6(5) match.

As the Lady Demons prepare for their home debut, Morelli said the early season has already provided signs of progress.

"We're seeing growth in how the players handle adversity and stay present in matches," Morelli said. "There's been progress in competing point by point and trusting the work we've put in."