Highlights from the NAIA National Woman's Basketball Tournament

The MSU-Northern Skylights, in their fourth NAIA Division I National Tournament in a row, saw their season end with a 71-65 loss to Vanguard University Friday night, the nation's #5-ranked team. On Thursday, the Skylights advanced to the round of 16 for the third time in four years with a 60-55 win over Loyola University of New Orleans, LA. Molly Kreycik's nearly three-quarter court buzzer beater at the end of the first quarter sparked the Skylights. The shot can be seen on YouTube and has had over 40,000 views. The Skylights finished the season with an overall record of 24-9. At the conclusion of the tournament, senior Natalee Faupel was named to the second team all-tournament team.

At the tournament, a number of Skylights were recognized for their play, efforts in the classroom, and contributions in the community. Natalee Faupel was named an honorable mention All-American by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association. Peyton Filius was named an NAIA Champions of Character Award winner. And, a total of eight Skylights were recognized as Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athletes (Academic All-Americans). This is the largest number of Academic All-Americans from any institution across NAIA Division I, and the most in Skylight history from one team. Skylights Cydney Auzenne, Katie Fertterer, Natalee Faupel, Peyton Filius, Molly Kreycik, Brandy Lambourne, Sierra Richards, and Jacy Thompson all earned the prestigious honor with a minimum grade point average of 3.5 and junior class standing. Auzenne and Faupel earned the honor for the second straight season. Auzenne was also a two-time Academic All-American in volleyball.

The Skylights team sponsor was Northwestern Energy, and according to Coach Chris Mouat, they did a lot for the team. He said, "Northwestern Energy was great. They took us to a very nice meal, and they set up a private tour of Zoo Montana. Jeff Ewelt, the director of the zoo, spent over two hours with us and even brought out a lot of the animals for our kids to see. It was a great experience. Beyond that, our sponsors were incredibly supportive and energetic. They sat on the bench and really became part of our team during the tournament."

The Skylights Champions of Character activity at the tournament was to visit the Arrowhead CARE after-school program. They talked with students about the importance of education and physical fitness and participated with them in games in the gym.

The Skylights were supported at the Rimrock Auto Arena by fans from in and out of the state of Montana. There were also many former Skylight players in attendance at the tournament.

The Northern Alumni Foundation hosted an Alumni & Fans meetup prior to the Skylights first game of the NAIA Conference in Billings. The turnout was great with dozens of alumni and Havreites packed into the room.