Skylights aim for more Armory magic

Last Friday night, the Montana State University-Northern volleyball team put on a display of exactly what it takes to win in the Frontier Conference. And, Northern is hoping for more of that same kind of play tonight in the Armory Gymnasium.

That’s because the Skylights (1-1, 2-9) will need it if they are to send their visiting arch rival UGF Argos (1-1, 7-8) back to Great Falls with a loss. Tonight’s Frontier Conference showdown starts at 7, and is the first of two matches for the Skylights this week, as they turn right around and travel to nationally ranked Carroll College Friday night.

Northern comes into tonight’s match having split a pair of sweeps last weekend. Of course, it started with the Skylights’ dominating home debut against Rocky Mountain College, but it also ended with a road sweep at the hands of the UM-Western Bulldogs in Dillon.

And Northern head coach Bill Huebsch is hoping it’s the Skylights who beat Rocky last week that comes to play against the Argos tonight.

“Everybody saw, against Rocky, that when we play like we’re capable of, when we don’t make so many big errors, and don’t have any giant letdowns, what we’re capable of,” Huebsch said. “For us, against anybody we play, it’s about being consistent and confident.”

Consistency is the key to the Skylights’ success. Northern knows it will get strong offensive production from veterans Cassie Krueger and Cydney Auzenne, as well as the outstanding passing of setter Emily Russell. But, when the likes of young players Timi Severson, Jillian Nickens and Haley Yoder rise up as well, like they did against RMC, the Skylights become a lethal offensive team. On the other side, when Northern’s block is on, like it was last Friday, the Skylights are equally as good defensively, especially with Jacy Vining and freshman Hannah Amtmann anchoring the back row.

And the Skylights will need those things to be clicking tonight when the Argos come to town. UGF has been a streaky team this season, but with a lot of size, and a lot of talent, plus this being such a big rivalry, Huebsch said, anything can, and usually does, happen.

“UGF always plays tough against us,” Huebsch said. “It’s a good rivalry and we always seem to bring out the best in each other. No matter what year it is, or what our records are, it always seems to be a good match when we play each other.”

Tonight should be no different. As always, head coach Arunas Duda has a deep roster with a big presence at the net. Outside hitter Madison Wilhelm (6-2) is one of the top offensive players in the conference, and Tiffany Marks and Mariah Diaz, are two more that stand over 6-0 to give UGF a daunting presence up front. Bree Davis is also a strong setter, and UGF is always one of the top serving teams in the Frontier, so, it looks like the Argos have it all.

“They’re (Argos) a good sized team,” Huebsch said. “They have a lot of size at the net, and a lot of good players. But I think controlling Madison Wilhelm is the key. She’s a very good player, and she carries a lot of their weight offensively. So slowing her down as best we can is big for us. And, as always, serve-receive will be big for us in this match.”

Playing a complete match tonight would be big in the Skylights continuing to control their home court. With a win in hand over Rocky, another one tonight over the rival Argos would give the Skylights a lot of momentum, especially with their next three matches on the road.

And that includes Friday night’s trip to No. 19 Carroll (1-1, 12-4). The Fighting Saints have been very good so far this season, even in a five-set loss last Saturday at Lewis-Clark State.

Paige Montgomery (6-0) and Holly Morehouse (6-0) are Carroll’s anchors at the net, and two of the best offensive players in the league. But, Carroll can also go to Alya Carpenter (5-9)and Brielle Bumgarner (6-1) on offense and on the block, while Jonni Door (5-9) is as reliable as it gets at setter.

“Carroll has played very good volleyball so far this season,” Huebsch said. “They’ve beaten several nationally ranked teams, and they’re coming off a really tough loss to LC (State) last weekend. So, they’ll be motivated to play us Friday night for sure.”

The Skylights are motivated, too, especially playing in front of their hometown fans. And, they want to replicate what they did in their home opener last Friday, tonight when the Argos come calling.

“We just need to be consistent,” Huebsch said. “We have a very talented team, but we’re still a young team, so sometimes, that consistency isn’t where it needs to be. But when it is, we’ve shown we’re capable of playing with anybody.”

Tonight’s match between Northern and UGF starts at 7 inside the Armory Gymnasium. The Skylights visit Carroll Friday night, before also traveling to Montana Tech next Thursday and LC State next Saturday.