BILLINGS, Mont. – The No. 24 ranked Rocky Mountain College women's basketball team opened conference play with 65-52 win over Montana State-Northern.

Both teams exchanged the lead throughout the first quarter. Halfway through the second quarter, Rocky jumped to a double digit advantage and ended the half ahead 13 points. The Skylights were unable to draw the game closer in the second half as the Battlin' Bears ran away with a 65-52 victory.

The Battlin' Bears shot a 56.3% field goal percentage, but only 18.2% from beyond the arc. Montana State-Northern shot 38.8% on the floor and 38.5% on three pointers.

Rocky out-rebounded the Skylights 34-23.

Marissa Van Atta led the team in three categories with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and three steals. Alecia Chamberlin contributed 15 points while Markaela Francis provided an additional 12.

Peyton Kehr provided a large portion of the Skylights' offense. She scored 22 points and was a perfect seven for seven on the free throw line.

Rocky will host Providence on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. in the Fortin Education Center.