EDINBURG, Texas — The Northwestern State tennis team begins defense of its Southland Conference crown this week as it starts on the road against UTRGV in its SLC opener.

The match opens with doubles, scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.

Last season, NSU captured the SLC regular season championship, posting an 8–1 league record and establishing itself as one of the conference's most consistent programs.

The Lady Demons built that title run on depth, discipline in doubles and steady play throughout the singles lineup.

Now, a new chapter begins.

"Each year is a new season," third year head coach Marcos Morelli said. "Every team in the Southland is going to compete hard and try to start strong. We understand that."

The Lady Demons (4–4) enter conference play after navigating a demanding nonconference schedule. NSU opened the spring with dominant wins, including a 7–0 sweep of LSU Shreveport and a 5–2 victory over Tyler Junior College.

In recent matches, NSU faced stiff competition from unbeaten South Alabama and Tarleton State, gaining valuable experience in tightly contested doubles points and unfinished singles matches before falling in both.

Morelli has emphasized growth throughout the early portion of the season, particularly in doubles play and composure in high-pressure moments.

"To set the tone in conference play, especially on the road, we have to focus on ourselves and compete hard," Morelli said. "That's where it starts."

Freshman Martina Acebedo Bonocore has emerged as a steady presence in the lineup. Acebedo holds a 5–1 singles record, winning five straight after dropping her opening match at LSU. Her stretch includes a comeback victory after trailing 4–1 in the first set against TJC earlier this season.

Athina Grigoriadou has also delivered key wins in the upper half of the singles order, while veterans Honoka Umeda, Lolita Hukasian, and Sofi Garcia provide leadership and experience.

UTRGV presents a familiar conference challenge, particularly on its home courts in Edinburg.

The Vaqueros (1–8) enter league play on a five-match losing streak, but the numbers require context. UTRGV has faced a demanding stretch of competition, including a tight 4–3 loss to New Mexico, a 6–1 defeat against Southland foe Texas A&M–Corpus Christi and matchups against Houston, No. 10 Texas and Utah State.

"They're a tough team," Morelli said. "We're looking forward to the competition."

With last year's 8–1 SLC mark setting the standard, the Lady Demons begin conference play focused on consistency and resilience.

"The mindset has to be tough and positive," Morelli said. "That's what we expect from ourselves."

Conference play starts now — and the margin for error only gets thinner.