Northwestern State’s Lady Demons showed their resilience coming back under pressure, but for the second time in six days against fellow Southland Conference co-champion Stephen F. Austin, the comeback fell just short in a 4-3 loss late Thursday night that ended NSU’s season in the SLC Tournament semifinals.

“SFA played aggressive and high-level doubles, setting the tone early,” said head coach Marcos Morelli. “I’m proud of how our team competed across the lineup.”

Trailing 3-1, the Lady Demons (10-8) fought back to tie the match and set up a winner-take-all battle for a spot in the title match, but SFA’s Ksenia Mamontova outlasted Zoi Spyrou, coming back to win the final two sets 6-4, 6-1 after dropping the first one 6-2.

Stephen F. Austin (16-6) came out firing, seizing early momentum by clinching the doubles point in commanding fashion.

Ayu Ishibashi evened the score early at the No. 5 singles spot, cruising to a 6-3, 6-2 win. But SFA posted two straight wins at Nos. 3 and 4 to move to the brink of clinching the outcome and advancing to tonight’s final.

With their backs against the wall, the Lady Demons counted on a trusted veteran, and Sofi Garcia delivered in straight sets at the No. 6 spot, 6-4, 6-2, to slice the deficit to 3-2.

Tjasa Klevisar drew the contest event at 3-3, taking the No. 1 spot with a clutch 7-5, 6-3 sweep, but SFA’s Mamontova prevailed.

Northwestern’s 8-1 record in regular-season conference play earned them a share of the SLC title, the sixth time it’s been done in NSU tennis history.

“This was a strong year for our program,” Morelli said. “Our seniors provided exceptional leadership, consistently emphasizing the importance of focusing on what we can control and setting a great example for the rest of the team. Their resilience and guidance truly led the way for our team.”