Northern spikers head to UP for rivalry match

The Montana State University-Northern Skylights have enjoyed playing in the friendly confines of the Armory Gymnasium. And they'll be right back there Saturday night. First though, they'll have to go on the road for one of their biggest Frontier Conference tests yet.

Tonight in Great Falls, the Skylights (0-1, 10-8) take on the University of Providence Argos (1-0, 14-2) in a rivalry showdown at the McLaughlin Center. It will be Northern's third match in two weeks in which the Skylights take on a ranked opponent The Argos are currently ranked no. 10 in all of the NAIA, and they are a whopping 14-2 on the season.

Northern, meanwhile, is coming off a tough loss at home to Rocky Mountain College last Saturday night. Still, the Skylights will be a tough opponent for the Argos as Northern is led by a veteran squad, including outside hitter Rylee Burmester, and newcomer Alyssa Pretty Weasel, who has emerged a big threat for the Skylight offense. Shania Neubauer is the defensive anchor for the Skylights, while Marlee Bender is playing really well at the net.

But as well as the Skylights have played of late, they are also entering a tough portion of their season, with four of their next five conference bouts on the road. That one home match will come Saturday night when the Skylights host Montana Western.

Tonight's match between the Skylights and Argos starts at 7 in Great Falls.