VERMILLION, S.D. (Interstat) — A struggling North Dakota women’s basketball team faces a steep challenge Wednesday night when it visits a surging South Dakota squad in a Summit League matchup at the DakotaDome.

The Fighting Hawks (4-13, 1-3 Summit) enter on a three-game skid following a 77-56 home loss to Missouri-Kansas City on Saturday. North Dakota has lost eight of its last nine games, with the lone win in that stretch a 75-54 victory over Omaha on Jan. 8.

Guard Skyler Volmer has been a bright spot, leading the team with 14 points in the loss to UMKC. She averages 6.5 points per game this season.

The Coyotes (12-5, 2-1), meanwhile, are coming off a 72-65 road win at Saint Thomas on Saturday. South Dakota has won three of its last four, with its only conference loss a 83-61 setback against Oral Roberts.

South Dakota is led by guard Molly Joyce, who is averaging 17.6 points in conference play. She scored 21 points in the win over Saint Thomas and had a 24-point performance against Oral Roberts.

The matchup pits one of the league’s top offenses against its most porous defense. South Dakota averages 69.2 points per game, while North Dakota allows a Summit-worst 75.2 points per contest and has given up 95 points twice this season.

This is the first of two regular-season meetings between the in-state rivals. They will meet again in Grand Forks on Feb. 26.

North Dakota visits South Dakota State on Jan. 21. South Dakota hosts Denver on Jan. 17.