OAKES, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Oakes hung around with the defending state champs for each of the three sets, but were unable to win any of them as they fell 25-15, 25-19, 25-18.

It was rare territory for the Tornadoes as they lost their first match at home this season and their first set at home since August 31st. In the first set, it was back and forth for the first 15 points, but in the end, the Lions won 16 of the last 19 points. Once again, Oakes got off to a solid start in set two hanging around with the defending champs, but their attacks were too much in the end of the set. In the final set, the Tornadoes had a lead as large as five points early, but again more of the same and Linton/HMB remained undefeated in Region 3 play.

Junior libero Brynn Dethlefsen made some spectacular digs for Oakes trying to mitigate the rapid kill attempts from the Lions. Sophomore Lily Thorpe provided some much-needed defense getting some well-timed blocks. Senior Abby Cox led the charge on the offense getting some high-speed swings and kills.

Oakes falls to 2-2 in Region 3 play and 16-10 in the regular season. The Tornadoes finish up their regular season next Tuesday at home against Medina/Pingree/Buchanan. The game will start at 7:30 p.m. and can heard on 1220 AM 95.9 FM The Tornado.