Northwestern State heads to Nacogdoches on Saturday to face reigning Southland Conference champion Stephen F. Austin after a 3-1 loss to Lamar. The Demons will look to turn strong defensive performances into a breakthrough against the Ladyjacks, whom they have rarely beaten on their home court.

By the Numbers
  • Northwestern State: 12-12 overall, 4-5 in the Southland Conference.
  • Stephen F. Austin: 13-9 overall, 7-2 in conference play.
  • The Demons are 1-27 all-time at SFA; their only road win came in 2013.
  • Emmarie McFarland recorded a career-high 33 digs against Lamar; Julia Whitfield had a career-high eight blocks.
Yes, But

NSU posted season highs of 15 blocks and 89 digs against Lamar, but still lost in four sets. Coach Ben Kaszeta said the Demons believe they can win at SFA, but emphasized competing for every point.

What's Next

The match is scheduled for Saturday at noon at Shelton Gym in Nacogdoches. It will stream on ESPN+, with live stats at NSUDemons.com.

Bottom Line

NSU’s defensive effort is a promising sign, but ending its long drought against SFA will require sustaining that intensity and converting it into points.