The restructured Northwestern State Demons volleyball team will have its final dress rehearsal at home against Alcorn State this evening at 6:30 p.m. in Prather Coliseum with cohesiveness as a building block.
“I’m just excited to see how we compete against someone other than ourselves,” said second-year head coach Ben Kaszeta. “This environment is going to be a fun place to be with some of the other football players and other student-athletes coming out to create a great atmosphere. But it’s just nice to get on the court against someone else.”
NSU will use the exhibition match as a chance to tune up as they prepare for the West Georgia Tournament in Carrollton, Georgia, from Aug. 28-29.
“We’ve been hitting on the word ‘success’ a lot,” said Kaszeta. “And trying to establish what that means for us. For me, the wins and losses are good, but my goal is to know that we have given everything we have. If we’ve done that, then the little things will take care of itself.”
The Demons will look to a couple of returners to help stabilize the ship early in the season, including sophomore Emmarie McFarland. The Alvin, Texas, native played in all 30 matches for the Demons as a utility player leading the team with 319 digs in 2025.
“I like the culture of the team,” said McFarland. “I think in the spring we had no culture but once July got here, I we’ve all been focused on everything we need to do better to be a good team and better teammates to each other. And I think that will be shown on Friday night.
Also returning to help anchor the ship is sophomore middle blocker Julia Whitfield. After playing in all 30 matches and starting 27, the Mandeville native was second on the team in blocks last season. Entering her second collegiate season, Whitfield already has established a new set of goals.
“I think the big thing for myself is not to be afraid to make a mistake,” said Whitfield. “But with having more than half a new roster, the key is to make sure we play to help each other and play selflessly and I like our chances.”
Following tonight’s matchup, NSU will have a week before opening the regular season Aug. 28 at the West Georgia Tournament in Carrollton, Georgia. NSU will face West Georgia at 1 p.m. CT that day. Then, the Demons will face Presbyterian College at 9 a.m. CT on Aug. 29 before wrapping up the tournament Saturday at noon CT against Grambling.