TAHLEQUAH – Northeastern State tennis hosts two important matches this weekend where they will face Emporia State Friday and then Newman on Saturday. 
 
Last Saturday, the RiverHawks halted a seven-match skid with a 7-0 sweep of Tabor but lost its MIAA opener a day prior at Central Oklahoma.  Northeastern State played last weekend without critical players in singles and a shifted lineup. 
 
Emporia State comes to NSU with a 3-5 (0-1 MIAA) mark, with all three of their wins coming against NAIA foes in February.  The Hornets have lost four straight and fell 6-1 in their MIAA opener against Missouri Western.   Northeastern State holds an 11-1 record against ESU and is 6-0 at home against the Hornets. 
 
The RiverHawks have a limited history with Newman with a 2-1 mark against the Jets, who will make their first-ever trip to Tahlequah.   Newman is 9-5 with five wins against NAIA or NJCAA competition.  The Jets beat now-ranked No. 45 Dallas Baptist on the road 5-2 and are 4-5 against NCAA Divison II opponents. 
 
Northeastern State holds a 4-7 record overall.  First serve on Friday is at 3 p.m., with Saturday's match time scheduled for 2 p.m.