By: Rocky Sports Information

GREAT FALLS, Mont. -- All five Battlin' Bears starters tallied double figures on Thursday as Rocky Mountain defeated MSU-Northern 86-81 in the first round if the Frontier Women's Basketball Tournament.

Both teams traded baskets throughout the first quarter as the game stayed close throughout the first 10 minutes. The Skylights finished the quarter with back-to-back baskets to grab a four-point lead going into the second quarter. 

While Rocky struggled from three in the second quarter, shooting just 1-7 from deep, the Battlin' Bears made their way to the free throw line efficiently and didn't turn the ball over a single time. The Skylights finished strong again in the second quarter with a 7-1 run as they grabbed a four-point lead at the break. 

After back-and-forth action started the third quarter, the Battlin' Bears rattled off a 10-2 to grab a five-point lead with four minutes remaining in the third quarter. The Rocky offense went quiet for the remainder of the quarter, as the Skylights cut the deficit down to one entering the fourth quarter. 

The Battlin' Bears controlled the fourth quarter offensively from start to finish, hitting their first seven shots of the quarter while converting 14-18 from the free throw line to earn a five-point victory in the first round of the Frontier Conference Tournament. 

All five Battlin' Bears starters finished in double figures, led by a 26-point performance from Morgan Baird. Ky Oliver finished with 17 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. Gracee Lekvold added 16 points, eight assists, and six rebounds, Brenna Linse tallied 14 points, six rebounds, and two blocks, and Iliana Moran totaled 10 points, seven assists, and two steals. 

The Skylights were led by 32 points from Ryley Kehr. Taya Trottier added 22 points and five rebounds.