COMMERCE, Texas - The task is simple for the Northwestern State Demons' volleyball team Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. in the regular season finale at East Texas A&M. Win and the Demons are in the 2026 Southland Conference Tournament.

The Demons (14-16, 6-9 SLC) suffered a setback Thursday night to the Lions 3-0 (25-20, 25-23, and 25-21) as the ETAM finished with 60 kills to just 46 for the Demons setting up Saturday's winner-take-all matchup between the two teams.

NSU's Jade Longlad finished with 35 assists to give her 1,410 for her career while Olivia Nzioki had 13 kills to lead the Demons' offense. Defensively, Emmarie McFarland had her 29th game of 31 this year with at least 10 digs finishing with 19.

The Lions (12-16, 6-9 SLC) were led by Gracie Campbell with 15 kills while Ariana Brown had 13 and Samantha Mosely added 12. Jade Washington helped the defense with 18 digs while Katelyn Pritchard added 23 assists.

The Demons and Lions enter Saturday, tied for eighth place in the conference standings with the winner moving on to Corpus Christi, Texas to play in the first round of the Southland Tournament Friday, Nov. 20.

East Texas A&M has the historical advantage with six straight wins over the Demons. But NSU can win the one that matters Saturday to put themselves into the conference tournament for the first time since 2023.

"We know what's on the line but if we talk about it too much then we just put more pressure on ourselves," said Demon head coach Ben Kaszeta. "Pressure is a privilege and if we treat every game like it's important then we will treat this one like that and we will be ready to go on Saturday."

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.