The MSU-Northern Skylights battled hard but came up short against No. 5 Providence, falling in four sets (25-13, 26-28, 27-25, 25-18) on Wednesday night in Havre.

The Argos set the tone early in the first set, jumping out to a 9-4 lead before stringing together an 11-1 run to take full control, eventually closing out the opener 25-13.

Providence carried momentum into the second set with a 6-0 start, but Northern responded with a 7-2 run to pull within one. The Skylights fought their way back, tying the set at 16-16 before battling through long rallies and clutch points to edge the Argos 28-26 and even the match.

In the third, Northern came out strong with a 5-0 start, later extending their lead to 20-16 after a 7-1 run. Providence, however, showed why they are a top-five team, storming back with an 11-5 finish to steal the set 27-25. The Argos carried that energy into the fourth, racing to a 9-3 lead. Northern clawed back with a 7-1 run to tie it, but Providence answered with a series of runs to secure the match.

The Skylights put up strong numbers, finishing with 60 kills, 59 assists, and 97 digs. Josie Hasler led the way with 15 kills (.244) and 11 digs, while Lexi Jones added 12 kills on a .333 hitting percentage. Setter Macee Selman dished out 28 assists and collected 15 digs, and libero Baily Egan anchored the back row with 30 digs.

Providence tallied 59 kills on a .240 hitting percentage, while adding 12 blocks and 6 service aces. Bella Green led the Argos with 15 kills (.306) and 3 blocks. Sadie Giles chipped in 14 kills and 25 digs, while Bella Thompson handed out 47 assists to go with 10 digs and 6 blocks.

With the loss, Northern drops to 3-6 overall and 1-2 in Frontier Conference play. The Skylights return to action Friday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. against RV Valley City State before hosting Mayville State on Saturday at 5 p.m. following Northern football.

Photo Credit: 5518