SAN MARCOS, Texas – The Northwestern State tennis team’s stay I the River State Shoot-Out ended with a pair of singles losses Sunday morning.
The results, however, did not dampen the progress that was made in the three-day event at Texas State.
Freshmen Nico Tagami and Zala Vnuk dropped their lone matches Sunday with Tagami falling in three sets to Mariella Gelbke of New Mexico State, 3-6, 6-2, 8-10, playing her second three-set match in two days.
Vnuk came up short against New Mexico State’s Nadia Nemeth, 6-1, 6-1, in her lone match of the day.
“Overall, there was progress from the last tournament (at Rice),” fourth-year head coach Marcos Morelli said. “It’s time to get back and continue working.”
The Lady Demons have their longest break of the fall season coming as Northwestern will take next weekend off before returning to play at the Bearkat Invitational hosted by Sam Houston on Oct. 16-17.
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Photo: Zala Vnuk returns a shot during play earlier this fall. Credit: Gary Hardamon/NSU Photographic Services
SAN MARCO, Texas – The weather in central Texas held up for the second day of the River State Shoot-Tout, and so did the Northwestern State tennis team.
All three Lady Demons who competed in singles matches Saturday at Texas State picked up victories with freshmen Nico Tagami and Zala Vnuk each grabbing a pair of wins. The second day of the three-day event was scheduled to be played indoors, but the matches took place outdoors.
“Each one of the players stuck to the process and made a conscious attempt to do the right things from start to finish,” fourth-year head coach Marcos Morelli said. “That says a lot.”
Tagami had to work deep into both of her matches.
Tagami began her day with a straight-set victory against Texas State’s Julia Richardet, 6-2, 7-6 (4), closing out the win in the tiebreaker.
In her next match, Tagami outlasted Texas State’s Juliette Jalai, 6-2, 3-6, 10-8 in a super tiebreaker in the third set.
“I’m excited about what she’s doing,” Morelli said. “Again, she had some things to work on from the last tournament. She’s really trying to do the right things.”
Vnuk’s day started with a quick advancement as Troy’s Hiba Heni, who was forced to retire two points into the match.
Vnuk then fell to Emilia Namysio of Troy, 6-3, 6-4, before recovering to take down Richardet in straight sets, 6-1, 7-6.
Sophomore Martina Acebedo Bonocore started her day with a three-set win against Alexia Zarate of Troy, 7-6, 4-6, 10-4, which earned her a matchup with Texas State’s Kinley VanPelt.
VanPelt took a competitive first set, 7-6 (3) before Bonocore was forced to retire from the match.
The tournament concludes with singles action beginning Sunday morning.
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Photo: Freshman Nico Tagami went 2-0 in singles play Saturday at the River State Shoot-Out at Texas State. Credit: Gary Hardamon/NSU Photographic Services
Northwestern State awarded $3.25 million HRSA grant to support nursing students
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University has been awarded a five-year grant expected to provide $3.25 million through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to support eligible Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) students and help strengthen Louisiana’s nursing workforce.
The award was made through HRSA’s Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students Program. Northwestern State received $650,000 for the first budget period, with $650,000 in annual support anticipated for each of the following four years, for an expected five-year total of $3.25 million, subject to the availability of federal funds and satisfactory program progress.
The project, Preparing Associate of Science in Nursing Students for Practice in Rural and Medically Vulnerable Communities, will provide need-based scholarship support to eligible full-time ASN students. For purposes of the federal program, eligible students include those from economically, educationally or geographically vulnerable backgrounds who also demonstrate financial need. Approximately 40 students are expected to receive scholarship assistance each year.
“This funding will have a direct impact on our students while also helping address the need for nurses across Louisiana,” said Dr. Aimee Badeaux, dean and chief nurse administrator of Northwestern State’s College of Nursing and School of Allied Health and project director for the grant. “Financial challenges can be a significant barrier for students completing a rigorous nursing program. These scholarships will help students remain focused on their education, complete their degrees and enter the nursing workforce prepared to serve the communities that need them most.”
Northwestern State’s ASN program provides multiple pathways to becoming a registered nurse (RN). Students may enter nursing through a traditional entry pathway, while transition options are available for those who bring previous healthcare education and experience, including licensed practical nurses, paramedics, military medics and other eligible allied health professionals. The program serves students at a variety of stages in their educational and professional journeys, with instructional locations in Shreveport, Alexandria and Leesville/Fort Polk.
Over the past five years, Northwestern State’s ASN program has graduated 651 nurses, contributing directly to Louisiana’s healthcare workforce.
“Northwestern State has a proud tradition of preparing nurses who serve communities across Louisiana,” said NSU President James T. Genovese. “This investment expands opportunities for students to pursue a nursing education while strengthening the pipeline of qualified nurses entering Louisiana’s healthcare workforce. Supporting these students is an investment in their futures and in the health and well-being of the communities they will serve.”
The initiative will combine scholarship support with academic advising, faculty mentoring, student success services, clinical education and workforce preparation. Students will gain clinical experience in a variety of healthcare settings, including rural and medically vulnerable communities, helping strengthen the pathway from nursing education to employment.
The five-year project period began Sept. 1, 2026, and extends through June 30, 2031. Continued federal support is subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory program performance.
For more information about nursing programs at Northwestern State University, visit nursing.nsula.edu.
Tedd Thomas Prudhomme was born at home on November 27, 1936 at Beau Fort in Bermuda, Louisiana. He departed this world peacefully on September 28, 2026, in Memphis, Tennessee, at the age of 89. Tedd graduated from St. Mary’s High School in the Class of 1954 and later attended Northwestern State College. Tedd was the beloved husband of Lorna Willard Prudhomme for over 65 years. His memory and legacy continue through his sons Tedd Thomas Prudhomme II (Janet Wygal) and Timothy Todd Prudhomme (Lori Aime) and his grandson Marshall Sanchez (Beth) and great grandson Levett. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who he of course adored.
Tedd’s family also includes his loving sisters, Rose Menou (Mike), Deborah Powell, and Doris Bowden, and his brother Daniel “Danny” Prudhomme (Sandy). He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Sidney Prudhomme, Sr., his mother, Angvie Edwards Prudhomme, his brothers Charles Sydney Prudhomme Jr. and Richard Lawrence “Dickie” Prudhomme and his sister, Betty Smith.
As a proud veteran of the United States Navy, he served his country honorably for seven years in Naval Aviation where he spent several years with a P2V Squadron, several years in a Helicopter Squadron, and later as an EOD diver….loving every minute of it.
Tedd’s enthusiasm for life could also be found in his love of hunting and fishing, belonging to many hunting clubs. Fishing the bayous of South Louisiana for many years was a dream come true. As Tedd’s loved ones mourn his passing, they also celebrate a life well-lived, one dedicated to family and friendships.
Visitation will be held at Blanchard‑St. Denis Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 from 11:00 am until 12:30 pm. A funeral service will be held at 1 pm on October 7, 2026 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Natchez, LA, with Deacon Chad Thibodeaux officiating. Tedd will be laid to rest at St. Augustine Catholic Church Mausoleum following the funeral service. Tedd often said he will be going “full circle” returning to St. Augustine where he was christened so long ago.
BATON ROUGE, La. – Damage to underground utility lines costs Louisiana residents an estimated $515 million annually, according to data compiled by the Common Ground Alliance.
The organization reported nearly 5,100 incidents involving underground utility damage in Louisiana during 2025 and more than 214,000 nationwide.
Damaged lines include buried electrical, water, natural gas, internet and telephone services.
State law requires excavators and contractors to contact utility locating services before digging. Residents can obtain information about underground utilities by contacting Louisiana 811 before beginning excavation projects.
LOUISIANA – Millions of Amazon customers across Louisiana and the nation are receiving automatic payments as part of a federal settlement involving the company’s Prime subscription enrollment and cancellation practices.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, Amazon agreed to provide consumer redress and pay civil penalties related to allegations of deceptive enrollment practices involving Amazon Prime memberships.
Consumers who qualify for refunds do not need to file claims or complete additional paperwork to receive payments.
NATCHITOCHES, La. – The Natchitoches Central Chiefs came up just short during homecoming festivities Friday night, falling to Airline by a score of 32-29.
The Chiefs will look to bounce back this week when they travel to face Evangel Christian.
Elsewhere in local football action, St. Mary’s remained undefeated with a 23-14 victory over Winfield. The Tigers were tied 14-14 at halftime before holding Winfield scoreless in the second half. St. Mary’s opens district play Friday at home against Logansport.
Lakeview fell on the road to Ringgold, 61-6. The Gators begin district play this week at home against Montgomery.
The Northwestern State Demons travel to Beaumont, Texas, to face the Lamar Cardinals on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM Central.
Listen to the live KZBL 100.7 FM broadcast and follow the score below.
The live scoreboard appears when the game begins and updates automatically from ESPN’s game feed. Updates may trail the action.
