HAVRE — The Carroll College women's basketball team took the next step on its march to the Frontier Conference title Friday night, downing Montana State University-Northern 79-64 on the road.

The win improved the first place Saints to 9-1 in league play, 22-5 overall, while it dropped the Highlights to 6-4 and 20-8.

The University of Montana-Western (7-3) and Lewis-Clark State (6-3) are the Saints closest competitors in the conference standings.

"That's a huge win for us," Carroll coach Shawn Nelson said. "It's so tough to go on the road, especially up to Northern and win. It was just a big win for us."

Jolene Fuzesy put on a show for the fans that watched her play at Havre High School last year, scoring 18 points for the Saints. Her 3-point play mid-way through the second half gave Carroll its first double digit lead at 55-45.

That lead would double to 74-54 on a 3-pointer by Laci High with 3:46 remaining. High also had 18 points for the Saints. It was the third straight game that the sophomore has scored in double figures. She has made 9-of-13 3-pointers in that stretch, including 2-of-3 against the Highlights.

"It was just a matter of time before she (started finding her shot)," Nelson said. "We ask her to do a lot for us, we ask her to guard their best player and play back-up point guard. That's a lot to ask and she's just starting to feel comfortable doing all of the stuff we ask her to do."

Carroll led 38-34 at halftime and tightened its defensive pressure to take control in the second half.

Rachel Bromily and Sophi Forney did a good job of slowing Northern's Megan Valgardson. The post, who has a history of big games against the Saints, was limited to 11 points by Carroll's inside defenders.

The two teams ranked first and second in the conference in 3-point shooting entering the game, but Carroll was able to limit its hosts to 3-of-11 shooting from behind the arch.

The Saints made 11-of-24 3-pointers in the game.

Carroll outrebounded the Highlights 40-32, led by Emili Woody's 11 rebounds.

Jaci Heny had 18 points to lead Northern. Michele VanDyke, sister of Saints' assistant coach Carly VanDyke, scored 11 points in the loss.

Carroll plays at Great Falls tonight at 6 p.m.

Carroll (79)

Laci High 6-10 4-4 18, Emili Woody 4-10 2-2 10, Carly Syverson 2-10 0-0 6, Rachel Bromily 1-4 0-0 2, Andrea Hall 6-12 1-2 16, Catie Priddy 0-0 0-0 0, Jolene Fuzesy 6-10 3-3 18, Katie Rodgers 1-6 0-0 2, Sophi Forney 3-5 0-2 7. Totals 29-67 10-13 79.

Northern (64)

Michele VanDyke 5-9 1-2 11, Megan Valgardson 3-7 5-5 11, Jessi Reome 6-16 1-3 15, Jaci Heny 7-12 4-4 18, Camille Gardner 2-7 0-0 5, Kristie Pullin 0-1 1-2 1, DeLayne Johnston 0-1 1-2 1, Jena Heggem 1-2 0-0 2, Ashley Trulock 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 24-55 13-18 64.

Halftime— Carroll 38, Northern 34. Rebounds— Carroll 40 (Woody 11), Northern 32 (Valgardson 11). Assists— Carroll 10 (High 4), Northern 7 (Heny, Gardner 2). Turnovers—Carroll 14, Northern 18. Total Fouls — Carroll 17, Northern 11.