NATCHITOCHES — After inclement weather forced changes to the weekend schedule earlier this week, Northwestern State returns to the courts with a revised slate, hosting UIW on Monday at 11 a.m. and Lamar on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Jack Fisher Tennis Complex.

NSU (10-6, 6-1) hosts UIW on Monday before welcoming Lamar in a week that carries added weight as the regular season winds down.

The Demons enter the week aiming to bounce back after a 4–0 loss to UL Lafayette on Wednesday on the road. NSU dropped the doubles point and the Ragin' Cajuns capitalized in singles play, securing three straight-set victories to clinch the match while the remaining courts went unfinished.

It marked a rare setback for a team that has otherwise built strong momentum in conference play, something head coach Marcos Morelli emphasized in practice this week.

"The girls know that at this level they need to compete hard at all times," Morelli said. "The process needs to be there from start to finish."

UIW (5–9, 4–3) arrives in Natchitoches following a split weekend at the Mabry Tennis Center.

The Cardinals fell 6–1 to Texas A&M–Corpus Christi before rebounding with a narrow 4–3 win over UTRGV.

Despite its record, UIW has proven to be a competitive opponent in conference play.

"UIW is a tough team, they play good doubles, have strong players, and are well coached," Morelli said.

Lamar (9–8, 2–5 SLC) enters the week with a match against Stephen F. Austin scheduled for Monday before traveling to face NSU. The Cardinals most recently secured a 4–3 victory over UTRGV on March 28 before falling 5–2 to AMCC on March 30.

Lamar has been competitive throughout conference play, with Luana Paiva leading the way with a 10–5 overall record, including a strong 6–3 mark at the No. 2 singles position.

"Lamar is known for the grit," Morelli said. "We had the chance to see them when they played here vs Jackson State, and they were very competitive. Luana is a great player."

With emotions expected to run high during Wednesday's matchup, the Demons are keeping their focus on the immediate task ahead.

"We are focusing on UIW right now," Morelli said. "On Tuesday, we will set our mindset to compete against Lamar."

Wednesday's matchup will also serve as Senior Day for the Demons, honoring Sofi Garcia, Zoi Spyrou and Lolita Hukasian for their contributions to the program.

"They have done a great job, and are ready for their next endeavors," Morelli said.

Garcia has put together one of the most accomplished careers in program history. The senior holds an 8-2 singles record this season, including a 6–1 mark in conference play while going 6-2 at the No. 5 position. In doubles, she is 7-4 overall and 5–2 in SLC play.

Her journey to NSU began in Argentina, where she first connected with Morelli and the program.

"I was in Argentina, and I met Marcos there," Garcia said. "I saw the program, the facilities, and met the people, and that's what brought me here."

Now serving as team captain, Garcia has embraced a leadership role for a younger roster.

"It's an honor, honestly," Garcia said. "I learned a lot last year from our captain (Tjasa Klevisar), and now being able to help the freshmen, sophomores and juniors has been amazing."

Garcia said she has taken pride in being a resource for her teammates throughout the season.

"They respect me and listen to me," she said. "If they have any problem or question, they come to me, and I like that."

Her career resume places her among the program's elite, compiling a 44–15 singles record, approaching the top 20 in school history and is fifth in career winning percentage. She has been particularly dominant in conference play with a 28–6 career SLC singles record.

Garcia's journey has also been a personal one for Morelli, who has seen her growth firsthand.

"It has been a pleasure to share this path with her," Morelli said. "She helped me become a better coach and person."

"She has grown a lot, as a person and as a player," he added. "She has been an amazing teammate, and leader for each one of the girls."

As she approaches the final two home matches of her career, Garcia reflected on what the moment means.

"Hopefully I'm not going to cry, especially on Wednesday," Garcia said. "Playing here at home for the last two matches feels amazing, but also a little sad. I know a new chapter is starting, but these four years have been great."

Spyrou has been a steady presence for the Demons, primarily competing at the top of the lineup. She holds a 6–12 singles record at NSU, including a 4–5 mark in conference play, all at the No. 1 position. In doubles, Spyrou has excelled with an 8–4 record, going 4–1 in SLC play.

"Zoi is a very talented player, and an amazing human being," Morelli said. "She has trusted Northwestern State with her development from the beginning."

Hukasian has contributed both in singles and doubles during her time with the Demons. She owns a 5–7 singles record and is 3–4 in doubles play with a 1–0 mark in conference action.

"She has been a great addition to this program," Morelli said. "She loves to compete and is a great teammate. She is excited to help the team accomplish big things."