BIG SKY WOMEN'S CAPSULES.

Byline: - Lee Barnathan

No. 1 CSUN (19-7)

Keep an eye on: Edniesha Curry (G, So., 18.3 ppg, 2 steals per game), Lynda Amari (F, Jr., 11.1 ppg, 5.7 rpg, .395 3-point percentage), Tina Greer (G, So., 3.4 apg), Neda Milic (F, So., 7.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg).

Outlook: Excellent. The Matadors went 13-1 at home, including a perfect 8-0 in the conference. They're deep, unified under coach Frozena Jerro and motivated to end Northridge's stigma of blowing it in big games. But they don't always shoot well, and one off night could do them in. Otherwise, they've got their first NCAA Tournament berth.

No. 2 PORTLAND STATE (17-9)

Keep an eye on: Carrie Hawes (F, Sr., 11.1 ppg, 7.1 rpg), Karrin Wilson (G, Jr., 10.6 ppg, .379 3-point percentage), Robbie Nix (F, Jr., conference's Outstanding Sixth Player)

Outlook: Worse than you think. They split with Montana State, a likely first opponent. If they get by the Bobcats, they could run into an angry Northridge team - angry because PSU didn't vote for any Matadors for all-conference. Still, they only lost by four at Northridge, so the possibility for an NCAA berth exists.

No. 3 MONTANA STATE (17-9)

Keep an eye on: Tennyson Ballek (F, Sr., 16.2 ppg, 8.4 rpg, .562 FG percentage), Jamie Spring (G, Sr., 5.7 apg), Jennifer Curl (G, Fr., 10.3 ppg)

Outlook: Better than you think. In Ballek, they have the conference Player of the Year who can single-handedly keep the Bobcats in games. In Curl, they have the conference Freshman of the Year who can shoot from the outside. But when it came time to take control of the conference race, they lost consecutively to Northridge and Weber State. But they have played Northern Arizona, Portland State and CSUN tight. In a short tournament, anything can happen.

No. 4 WEBER STATE (11-15)

Keep an eye on: Shelley Olson (G, Jr. 11.2 ppg), Brianna Kanongata'a (F, Sr., 9.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg), Andie Willer (G, Sr., 3.7 assists per game)

Outlook: Not good. Although they beat Northridge at home, the Wildacats limped home, losing four of their last five games - including a 60-47 loss to CSUN - to fall out of the conference race. They likely will continue to struggle.

No. 5 MONTANA (11-15)

Keep an eye on: Linda Weyler (F, Jr., 19 ppg, 8.5 rpg), Linda Cummings (F, Jr., 14.7 ppg, 7.3 rpg), Cheryl Keller (F, Fr., 5.2 rpg)

Outlook: Also better than you think. The Grizzlies have owned the postseason, having never been seeded lower than second for the last 11 years. Plus, Weyler leads the conference in scoring and rebounding, and the Lady Griz beat Northridge in Missoula. Still, it's a long road because they have injuries and

have been inconsistent. First-round opponent Weber State swept the season series for the first time. If they stay close, they have a chance.

No. 6 NORTHERN ARIZONA (13-13)

Keep an eye on: Jess LeBlanc (F, Sr. 14.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg), RaeAnn West (F, Sr. 13.4 ppg, .532 FG percentage, .800 FT percentage), Kristi Forman (F, So., 10.2 ppg, 1.6 steals)

Outlook: Not good. They played Montana State tight but struggled against CSUN. Still, they needed to win their final two games to reach the tournament and, led by West's 48 points, did it. Will they just be happy to be here or will they cause some damage? The bet here is a first-round loss.

SCHEDULE

First Round - Today

No. Arizona vs. Montana St., 5:05 p.m.

Montana vs. Weber St., 7:30 p.m.

Semifinals - Friday

Portland St. vs. higher remaining seed, 5:05 p.m.

CSUN vs. lowest-remaining seed, 7:30 p.m.

Final - Saturday

Semifinal winners, 5 p.m. (10 p.m. on FSW2)