Skylights heading to Arizona

The Montana State University-Northern women's basketball team is inching closer and closer to Frontier Conference play. And to get ready, head coach Chris Mouat's team will play some tough games in Arizona this week.

Three tough games await the Northern women, who bring a 4-4 record into the tournament.

The Skylights open play tonight when they face Embry-Riddle, then take on Menlo College on Thursday and Jessup University on Friday morning.

Northern has been challenging itself this season, and is getting leadership and strong play from veterans like Ryley Kehr, Jalen Callender and Savannah Toms. Rachel Van Blaricom is also shooting it well while Shyann Krass leads the team in rebounding. Point guards Taya Trottier and L'Tia Lawrence are also strong players for a Northern team that is looking to build some momentum before the start of league play early next month.

The Skylights open play in Phoenix tonight at 8 p.m. against Emrby-Riddle. On Thursday, MSU-N faces Menlo at 12 p.m. and the Skylights play Jessup Friday at 10 a.m.

Northern closes out the non-conference season Dec. 28 against Ambrose University and Dec. 30 against Lakeland before beginning Frontier play at Montana Western Jan. 6.