EASTON, Mass. (Interstat) — A surging Long Island women’s basketball team looks to continue its climb in the Northeast Conference standings when it visits Stonehill on Saturday at Merkert Gymnasium.

The Sharks (14-8, 8-3 NEC) have won seven of their last nine games, including a 65-46 road victory at New Haven on Thursday. They previously defeated the Skyhawks 72-59 at home on Jan. 22. Stonehill (8-14, 4-7) seeks to halt a two-game skid after a lopsided 80-49 home loss to Fairleigh Dickinson on Thursday.

Long Island is powered by guard Janessa Williams, who is averaging 16.1 points per game in conference play. She nearly posted a double-double with 16 points and nine rebounds in the win over New Haven and scored 14 points in the earlier meeting with Stonehill this season.

The Skyhawks counter with guard Julia Webster, who scored a game-high 18 points in the January loss to the Sharks. Webster is coming off a 22-point, 15-rebound performance in a win over Le Moyne on Jan. 31, demonstrating her capability for a dominant outing.

The matchup features a stark contrast in recent trajectories. Long Island’s defense has been stifling, holding opponents to an average of 55.2 points during its current three-game win streak. Stonehill’s offense has struggled at times, scoring 54 points or fewer in three of its last five contests.

A key battle will be on the glass. Long Island’s Kadidia Toure recorded a double-double (12 points, 10 rebounds) against New Haven, while Webster’s rebounding prowess for Stonehill could be crucial for second-chance opportunities.

Saturday’s contest is the second of two regular-season meetings between the teams. With the conference tournament approaching, the Sharks aim to solidify a top-tier seed, while the Skyhawks look to improve their positioning and split the season series.

Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. EST. Long Island’s next game is at home against New Haven on Feb. 14. Stonehill travels to face Wagner on the same date.