HACKENSACK, N.J. (Interstat) — A surging Fairleigh Dickinson women’s basketball team will look to continue its dominant season when it hosts struggling Stonehill in a Northeast Conference matchup Thursday night at Rothman Center.

The Knights (17-4, 8-0 NEC) enter on an eight-game winning streak and sit atop the conference standings. Their most recent victory was a 56-41 road win at Le Moyne on Saturday, led by a 21-point, six-rebound performance from standout guard Madlena Gerke. Gerke averages 9.9 points per game and has been a consistent scorer during the streak, including a 21-point outing last week.

The visiting Skyhawks (7-12, 3-5) snapped a two-game skid with a 74-65 win at Central Connecticut last Saturday. They are led by forward Ella Pelletier, who posted a double-double in that victory with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Pelletier’s recent play, including 33 minutes in the win, will be crucial for Stonehill to challenge the conference leaders.

Fairleigh Dickinson has dominated NEC play, winning its games by an average margin of 22.6 points. Their defense has been stifling, holding opponents to 49.6 points per game in conference action. Stonehill, meanwhile, has struggled for consistency, alternating wins and losses in its last six contests.

The Knights won the first meeting this season, 68-46, on Jan. 2 at Mercyhurst. Gerke had three points in that contest. The teams will meet again in Easton, Massachusetts, on Feb. 5.

Thursday’s game tips off at 7 p.m. EST. Fairleigh Dickinson will host Wagner on Saturday, while Stonehill returns home to face Le Moyne.