Despite strong play and late pushes in both singles and doubles, Northwestern State tennis competitors came up short Thursday in Day 2 action at the Southland Conference Fall Masters.
Head coach Marcos Morelli credited both the level of competition and his team’s continued progress.
“Congrats to them for competing better than us,” Morelli said. “They deserved the wins. I’m still happy about our process. I feel we’re on the right track. We want to be in those close matches, and that’s where growth happens.”
Northwestern’s doubles pairing of Maria Farina and Honoka Umeda could not built on the momentum of a back-and-forth first set with Stephen F. Austin’s Jemma Cave and Ksenia Mamontova, falling 6-4, 6-2.
Senior Zoi Spyrou took McNeese’s Salome Fluri to the limit before falling in three sets 7-5, 2-6, 1-6.
Morelli said the team continues to focus on maintaining high standards against top-tier competition.
“The girls are doing the right things in both doubles and singles,” he said. “Their opponents are some of the best in the league. We did good, but we didn’t do excellent — and to beat the best, you have to be excellent. The standard for us is to be at the top, and that means improving in the little things.”
Despite the results, Morelli said the home crowd helped fuel the team throughout the day.
“It was great to play in front of our fans again,” he said. “The girls felt the support. That’s part of why we wanted to host this event — to give the Natchitoches community a chance to see some of the best tennis in the conference right here at home.”
The Lady Demons take part in their final tournament of the fall season when they head to Beaumont, Texas, to compete in the Joe Pyburn Invitational at Lamar, beginning on Oct. 31.
MILESTONES FOR WESSON IN VOLLEYBALL LOSS: Samaya Wesson recorded her 300th career kill and 200th career block for the Northwestern State Demons in a 3-0 loss (25-14, 25-16 and 25-12) to the Lamar Cardinals (13-11, 6-3 SLC) Thursday night in Southland Conference volleyball action at Prather Coliseum.
The Demons (1-22, 0-9 SLC) were led by Olivia Bush with nine kills while Jade Longlad led the setters with 18 assists. But it was Wesson’s day as she recorded two milestones in the third set with her 300th career kill and 200th block.
“It’s nice to be able to make your mark,” said Wesson. “I’ve been playing this game for 11 years and I am glad to achieve something during my career.”
NSU head coach Ben Kaszeta praised his team’s effort and character.
“We may not be getting the results, but this team makes it fun to come to work,” said Kaszeta. “The character that they show despite not having the wins to show for it makes me optimistic long term.”
The Demons will host league-leading Stephen F. Austin (12-7, 7-1 SLC) Saturday at noon in Prather Coliseum. Match time could change if officials decide Friday morning to adjust kickoff time for the home football game that is scheduled to begin at 4, but might be changed due to anticipated approaching storms.
NSU will update the NSUDemons.com website and use social media to announce any schedule changes for Saturday.
