NATCHITOCHES, La. – The Northwestern State Demons' volleyball team will play its first   home match of the season Tuesday night when they host the Jackson State Tigers at 6:30 p.m. in Prather Coliseum.

The Demons (1-6) are coming off a competitive weekend at the Missouri State Tournament in which they took Indiana State (3-3) to five sets and pushed Missouri State in two of the three sets before falling.

"I think we played three quality programs up there (in Missouri)," said second-year NSU volleyball coach Ben Kaszeta. "Three teams that would probably be at the top of our conference and it was a good test for us. We got better throughout every match and got a little tired on Saturday. But we played our hearts out on Friday. With a young group of kids, learning how to win is hard and learning what the expectations are and how to sustain those expectations."

Despite the tough record, the Demons have had many bright spots including senior Jade Longlad who leads the Southland in assists per set (8.82). Sophomore Emmarie McFarland is tied for second in the league in total digs at 105 while sophomore Elsie Sanchez in sixth in the conference with 64 kills despite missing Saturday's game.

The Demons will get their first match in Prather Coliseum of the season Tuesday when they host the Tigers (3-3). NSU is 11-1 all-time for JSU with its lone loss to the Tigers coming last season at the Golden Eagle Classic in Hattiesburg, Mississippi 3-0.

"They've got a lefty on the right side that is dynamic," said Kaszeta. "They've got an outside hitter that is the same. They're a little streaky at times but when they put it together, they can be a dangerous team. So, this is a team coming in with a couple of wins and a team that can unleash a beast."

The Tigers are led by senior Hope Briggs. The Cedar Hill, Texas native leads the team with 77 kills which in third in the SWAC. Setter Naija Gadis is also a viable threat with 125 assists, good enough for fifth in the league.

Fans can follow Tuesday's match on ESPN+ with live stats available at NSUDemons.com