Northern women hit the road

The Montana State University-Northern women's basketball team has been able to enjoy a nice start at home. And while the Skylights certainly got a stern, season-opening test from both the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns and the Mount Royal Cougars, things get a bit more uncomfortable for Northern this weekend.

Today and Saturday in Spokane, the Skylights (2-0) play their first two road games of the season. Tonight, Northern will take on Cascade Conference favorite Eastern Oregon, while MSU-N will battle with fellow Cascade member Corban College on Saturday afternoon.

And though both games are neutral site contests, this weekend marks the first time this season the new-look Skylights have played outside the friendly confines of the Armory Gymnasium.

"Eastern Oregon is a very, very good basketball team," Northern head coach Chris Mouat said. "And Corban will be solid too. These games will definitely be a challenge for us."

EOU is more than good. Last season piled up a 33-3 record, including a perfect 18-0 mark on their way to the Cascade championship. EOU also reached the quarterfinals of the NAIA DII national tournament, so they will certainly present Northern with its toughest challenge to date. Meanwhile, Corban won't be a pushover either. The Warriors were 5-13 in the touch Cascade league last season, but they return an experienced group, and are expected to be much better this winter.

Meanwhile, the Skylights looked exceptionally sharp in their 78-42 in over Mount Royal last Sunday in Havre. After a cold-shooting night in a close win over Lehthbridge last Thursday, the Skylights heated up against Mount Royal. Guards Kacie McKeon and Taylor Cummings combined to five of Northern's seven 3-pointers against Mount Royal, while Rachelle Bennett and 6-5 forward A'Jha Edwards played well in the post.

Still, this weekend's games in Spokane will be a new experience for the Skylights, and the first of a lengthy road trip which includes upcoming visits to NCAA Division I powers Wyoming and Montana.

"We don't play at home again until we play Carroll on Nov. 30," Mouat said. "This next couple of weeks will really be a test for our team. We have to do some growing on the road, and we will."

Tonight's game between the Skylights and EOU, ranked No. 18 in the NAIA DII Women's Coaches Poll, will tip off at 7 in Spokane. Northern's game against Corban College will start at 3 p.m. Saturday in Spokane.