Skylights host rival Blue Hawks tonight

The Montana State University-Northern Skylights are off to a 1-0 start after a win last Friday night to open the season. Now, though, the challenges will start to mount.

Tonight, MSU-N (1-0) welcomes in the Dickinson State Blue Hawks for an NAIA non-conference game, and, it's always a big rivalry matchup. The Skylights and Blue Hawks meet almost every season in a home-and-home series, and tonight's game is the first of two between the two rivals, as Northern will make a return trip to Dickinson Dec. 6.

First, though, the Skylights will look to build on the momentum of last Friday's season-opening win against The King's University. Played at the HHS gymnasium, Northern pulled away for a 75-56 win that saw Ryley Kehr lead three Skylights in double figures with 19 points. Returning sophomore Shyan Krass added 12 points, Sydney Hanson added 14 points, as the Skylights made five triples and grabbed 40 rebounds in the win.

Of course, the Blue Hawks will be a much stronger opponent, as they hail from the NAIA North Star Athletic Conference. DSU is currently 2-0 on the season after winning games against Bethany and Midland Lutheran last weekend. DSU features a slew of talented players, including former Havre Blue Pony Danielle Wallace, who is a senior on the Blue Hawk's roster. DSU also boasts standouts like Lindsay Peterson and Heather LaBree, as well as Samantha Oase, all of which are averaging double figures so far this season.

Tonight's game is Northern's only bout this week, and it tips off at 5:30 p.m. in the Armory Gymnasium. The Skylights are also at home next Thursday against Alberta-Augustana and next Friday against NAIA powerhouse Campbelsville.