The MSU-Northern Skylights went toe-to-toe with fifth-ranked Eastern Oregon on Wednesday evening but came up short, falling in three tightly contested sets (27-25, 25-23, 25-18).

Northern put together an efficient attack with 36 kills and a .228 hitting percentage, but the Mountaineers' depth and firepower proved the difference as they racked up 55 kills while hitting .327 as a team.

The opening set was a back-and-forth battle, with neither team able to create separation until Eastern closed on a three-point run to secure the 27-25 win. The second frame followed a similar pattern, but a 5-0 surge midway through gave the Mountaineers the edge as they held off a late Skylights push. In the third, Eastern Oregon seized control early with a 12-6 advantage and never looked back, finishing the match in straight sets.

Macee Selman paced the Skylights with a strong all-around performance, tallying 10 kills on a .421 hitting percentage while also handing out 16 assists. Lexa Stock and Josie Hasler chipped in six kills apiece, while Baily Egan anchored the defense with 10 digs.

For Eastern Oregon, McKenzie Jonas recorded a match-high 12 kills at a .333 clip. Jacyee Villastrigo collected 12 digs, and Kate Stidham directed the offense with 28 assists.

The Skylights return to the court tomorrow evening, taking on RV Tyler University at 6 p.m. in Butte.