NATCHITOCHES – The Northwestern State Demons hit the road Saturday at noon to face the reigning Southland Conference Tournament and regular season champions the Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks in Southland Conference volleyball action at Shelton Gym in Nacogdoches, Texas.

The Demons (12-12, 4-5 SLC) are coming off a tough setback to the Lamar Cardinals (7-15, 4-5 SLC) Wednesday night at home 3-1 (25-27, 25-22, 25-22 and 25-22). NSU had a season-high in blocks (15) and digs (89) but were unable to solve the Cardinals' offensive front line of Maja Malinowska and Nissan Martinez who finished with a combined 36 kills. NSU was led by Emmarie McFarland who had a career-high 33 digs while sophomore Julia Whitfield had a career-high eight blocks. Jade Longlad had another big game for the Demons as she finished with 45 assists.

McFarland remains second in the Southland in digs per set (4.79) behind McNeese's Sophia Tocmo (5.36) while Longlad is second in assists per set (9.48) behind UT-Rio Grande Valley's (12-7, 8-0 SLC) Lana Rnjak (9.58). Sanchez is tied for third in the league in kills per set (3.40) with UTRGV's Martina Franco.

It doesn't get easier for the Demons Saturday as they head to Nacogdoches, a place they have had little success at with a 1-27 record against SFA on the road all-time.  NSU's only win at SFA came nearly 13 years ago back on Nov. 16, 2013, when the Demons defeated the Ladyjacks 3-1.

The Ladyjacks (13-9, 7-2 SLC) are coming into Saturday's match after a 3-0 win over East Texas A&M (9-13, 3-6 SLC) on the road on Wednesday. SFA was led by Avery Koonsmen and Katherine Holtman with nine kills each.

The Demons will be seeking their first win over SFA regardless of venue since Oct. 13, 2015, when they swept the Ladyjacks at Prather Coliseum.

"I want us to go and compete Saturday," said Demon head coach Ben Kaszeta. "We think we are capable of going in there and winning and 'chop down the giant' so to speak. Because that's what they are to us. Now we haven't beaten them in a long time so for us to just go into their house and compete for every single point. We still haven't done that in a match this year and if we can go do that Saturday, we will have a chance."

Fans can watch Saturday's match on ESPN+. Live stats will be available at NSUDemons.com while live updates can be found on twitter/X on the NSU volleyball page @NSUDemonsVB.