Northwestern State University’s Lady Demon tennis team is a diverse group that trains hard to prepare for their matches. With matches across the south, the team opened the season at Louisiana State University. In February, NSU hosted the Southland Conference opener against the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, emerging with a 4-3 victory.
Head coach Marcos Morelli encourages consistency and development as the team continues to train. “I think that every match, the team has committed to their process. Since then, they have had a repetition of improving the right things,” Morelli said. “They have been working very hard during the week—week in and week out. I think that is giving them the confidence to perform under pressure.”
Zoi Spyrou is a senior psychology major who was Morelli’s first recruit as head coach in 2023. Throughout her time on the team, she has admired the team’s dynamic and growth. “I feel like everybody’s very self-aware of what they’re good at. Whenever they have to improve, they do it,” Spyrou said.
“I feel like Marcos has done a really good job since I came here,” Spyrou said. “This spring, he puts his mindset into every practice and makes it easier to learn. He has made a very big change in the team as we follow what he says.”
Pika Doberlet, a sophomore psychology major, appreciated the sportsmanship during the Southland Conference opener. “I think we have a lot of energy, especially [at the opener]. We showed that we are there for each other and that we will do anything for each other. When someone was playing, even if another was not, she was cheering and screaming the other one on,” Doberlet said. “It was a tough match, but in the end we showed a really good performance, and I’m happy about it.”
As the season continues, Doberlet has high hopes for the future. “I think we have a lot more to show. I hope we can continue with the energy that we had and keep practicing the way that we are because we are on a good path. I hope we can keep going,” Doberlet said.
United in the sport, NSU’s tennis team prepares for the rest of the season with strong anticipation and optimism.
