YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (Interstat) — A surging Youngstown State women’s basketball team looks to avenge a January loss when it visits Northern Kentucky in a Horizon League matchup Thursday night. The Penguins (19-8, 11-5 Horizon) enter Regents Hall in Highland Heights, Kentucky, having won seven of their last eight games. Their most recent victory was a 69-65 road win at IU Indy on Sunday. Northern Kentucky (13-14, 8-8), which won the season’s first meeting 61-49 at Youngstown State on Jan. 8, is coming off a 77-59 road win at Green Bay last Saturday. Youngstown State’s success has been fueled by a balanced attack and strong defense, holding opponents under 55 points in five of their last eight contests. Guard Sophia Gregory has been a consistent catalyst, averaging 10.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.6 blocks over that eight-game stretch. In the Jan. 8 loss to the Norse, Gregory was limited to nine points. The Norse counter with guard Taysha Rushton, who is coming off a 21-point, four-rebound, four-assist performance against Green Bay. Northern Kentucky has shown resilience, winning three of its last four games, including tight victories over Milwaukee and Oakland. The matchup features contrasting trajectories. Youngstown State, near the top of the league standings, is battling for postseason positioning, while Northern Kentucky seeks to climb above .500 in conference play. The Penguins will aim to break a trend of offensive struggles against the Norse, having scored 49 and 52 points in their two most recent head-to-head meetings. Thursday’s game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. EST tipoff. Following this contest, Youngstown State visits Fort Wayne on Saturday, while Northern Kentucky hosts Wright State.