HELENA, Mont. -- One of the longest standing soccer rivalries resumes this weekend. 

Nearing the halfway point of the season, the Carroll College women's soccer team sits atop the Cascade Conference Collegiate standings. And the Saints intend to stay there.

Standing in their way is a road matchup against longtime rival Rocky Mountain College (4-4-1, 0-3-1) and College of Idaho (3-3-2, 1-3-0). 

"We've always played each other," Saints coach Dave Thorvilson said of Rocky. "Both teams get up for the game. It's always nerve racking to go on the road and have to play a rival. The fact we're leaving the day of the game adds a little extra to it." 

After a non-conference schedule that saw the Saints go 1-5, Carroll has built momentum in CCC play. The Saints are undefeated in league, tying their opening game against Eastern Oregon before reeling off three consecutive wins. 

Carroll's defense has been the story of its recent win streak. In the past three wins, the Saints have allowed only one goal and outscored their opposition 11-1. Even then, Thorvilson thought his defense had plenty to prove.

"Defensively, we also played three of the bottom teams in the conference the last two weekends," Thorvilson said. "I don't know if I want to rest my laurels on only giving up one goal."

First the Saints take on a Rocky squad that is looking for its first CCC win of the season. The Battlin' Bears have been close, losing a pair of games by a single goal and tying their first game of CCC play 0-0. 

Carroll takes on Rocky on Friday at 7:30 p.m. 

Then the Saints load up on a bus for 10 hours to travel to Caldwell, Idaho, for a Sunday showcase with the Yotes. The Yotes' only win in the CCC so far has come against Rocky. 

COI goalkeeper Shae Waters is ranked No. 12 in the NAIA for goals against er game (0.57). Her and the Yotes have only given up six goals in eight games this season. 

"Both teams have exceptional goalkeepers," Thorvilson said. "We have to be on the mark. We're not going to get a lot of gimmies." 

Carroll and COI kick off at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.