Preview: Stonehill Skyhawks at New Haven Chargers

WEST HAVEN, Conn. (Interstat) — Two teams seeking momentum to start the new year will meet Friday when the Stonehill Skyhawks visit the New Haven Chargers in a non-conference women’s basketball game at Charger Gymnasium.

Both programs enter the matchup on losing streaks. Stonehill (4-7) has dropped three straight, including a 109-50 defeat at Vanderbilt on Dec. 28. New Haven (2-9) has lost its last five games, most recently a 64-59 loss at New Hampshire on Dec. 28.

The Skyhawks will lean on guard Julia Webster, who has been a consistent offensive force. She scored 14 points against Vanderbilt and is averaging 14.0 points per game over her last four contests. Brooke Paquette, who had nine points, six rebounds and four assists against the Commodores, provides additional backcourt production.

The Chargers counter with forward Addisen Sulikowski, who is coming off a strong 16-point, seven-rebound performance in the loss to New Hampshire. She has averaged 15.0 points over her last two games and will be a primary focus for New Haven’s offense. Center Merit Innocent, who posted 10 points and seven rebounds last time out, offers an interior presence.

Stonehill’s victories this season have come against Rider, Niagara, Bridgewater State and Bethune-Cookman. New Haven’s two wins were decisive home victories over Purchase and Bard in November.

This game is organized by the Northeast and serves as a final non-conference tune-up for both sides before they dive into their respective league schedules next week. Stonehill opens Northeast Conference play at home against Wagner on Jan. 4, while New Haven begins its Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference slate at home against Central Connecticut on Jan. 4.

Friday’s contest tips off at 7 p.m. EST.