Skylights set to play two games in Hawaii

Nothing like spending some time on the beach. But, the Montana State University-Northern women’s basketball team’s trip to Hawaii this week was about basketball, too.

And the Skylights get to play a pair of games in Paradise, starting Saturday when they take on Cascade Conference rival Eastern Oregon. Northern also plays NCAA DII Chaminade University in an exhibition game Sunday.

The Skylights, of head coach Chris Mouat, come into the holiday weekend with a record of 2-2, but fresh off a pair of losses to Stephens College and Vanguard University last week in Great Falls.

Still, Northern has shown flashes of being a much more experienced team this season, after the Skylights opened the year with wins over Northwest and Corban.

Veterans Ryley Kehr and Rachel Van Blaricom have been scoring and rebounding leaders for Northern, while guards L’Tia Lawrence and Taya Trottier have been strong at the guard position. Former Turner standout Shyan Krass continues to be one of Northern’s leading rebounders.

Of course, Northern is still working its way into the young season, but this trip to Hawaii will be a big test for the Skylights as December approaches.

December will be when the MSU-Northern men get back on the court.

The Lights (5-2) of head coach Shawn Huse are in the midst of a lengthy break. Northern last played on Nov. 11 when they beat Embry-Riddle in Helena. 

Northern returns to action next weekend when the Lights, and Skylights host Concordia University of Edmonton in a doubleheader Dec. 2 at Armory Gymnasium.

That run starts a busy stretch for the Lights, who visit the University of Montana Grizzlies Dec. 5 and then host Alberta-Augustana Dec. 7.