It's a long ride as the Skylights of MSU-Northern head off to Utah to take on Westminster College on Thursday.

The Griffins are one of two new teams in the Frontier Conference this season and this will be the first meeting between the two teams.

The Skylights are riding a three-game winning streak and will be looking for their fourth this week. In those games, the Skylights have held their opponents to under 70 points.

Northern head coach Ray Peters said Westminster has a very young program, but has some talented players. Peters said they have good size on the inside and some good shooters.

Westminster has also been very tough this year on their home floor and get to the free throw line a lot.

Peters said the Skylights will need to play smart basketball and limit the number of times the Griffins get to the free throw line.

The Skylights will still be without guard Anna Fabatz, who injured her knee last week in practice. Peters said other people have been stepping up to fill the role on the team.

Northern will again need those contributors. Peters said they will have to have good bench play to be successful, both with Laura Munson and Lynn Kansteiner in the post, as well as Jennifer Young at the guard position.

Peters said the Skylights still have their best basketball in front of them.

"We're going to get better," Peters said.

As for the road trip, Peters said, they have already been on the road a lot this season. Though anytime you go on the road it is tougher to get up and get rid of the "travel aches" and get ready to play, Peters said.

The game in Salt Lake City will be the only one for Northern this weekend. The Skylights return home on Feb. 10 to take on Rocky Mountain College.