GRAND FORKS, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Valley City Hi-Liners are going to the State Tournament for the second straight year after a 12-5 win over the Fargo North Spartans.

The Hi-Liners started slow offensively with no hits till the 3rd inning with Kinlee Sufficool. This would lead to a 3 run inning with Bailey LeRoux, Autumn McGough, and Emma Langemo recording RBI’s.  This lead would not last, however, with the Spartans putting 3 runs across the plate in the 4th inning after several stolen bases from Aubrey King and Leah Hoffman and a 2 run double Lydia Farnham.

The Hi-Liners were not to be denied and scored 5 runs in the 5th after hitting around the batting order. The inning started with back to back to back doubles from Jada Nelson,Leroux, and McGough. The Hi=Liners would record 2 more hits to make the lead 8-3. The Spartans would strike right back after a lead off walk was followed up with a 2 run blast to left from Olivia Kalbus. McGough would respond with 3 quick outs including a strikeout to end the inning.

The game was blown open in the 7th as 4 straight batters would reach and score with LeRoux, McGoff, Emma Langemo, and Sydney Larson would record RBI’s. Autumn McGough would finish her lights out performance with a 1-2-3 7th to clinch the state tournament berth for the 2nd straight year.

McGough would record the win going 7.0 innings allowing 5 hits, 5 runs, and recording 5 strikeouts. Spartans pitcher, Maryn Schneider, would get the loss going 5.0 innings allowing 10 hits, 8 runs, and recording 2 strikeouts.

The Hi-Liners will go on to be either the 3 or the 4 seed in the State Tournament next week in Jamestown with the first game on Thursday. Their opponent is currently tbd as they await the rest of the field from the EDC and WDA.