The Hi-Liners took the defending state champions to the brink multiple times on Thursday but where unable to come up with a set win against West Fargo Sheyenne falling in straight sets 25-18, 25-22, and 29-27.

Early on it looked like the Mustangs might make it a runaway as they quickly raced out to a 11-3 lead. The Hi-Liners though would get the ball back for a final time down 24-14. The Hi-Liners rally would stop at abruptly at 25-18 as the Mustangs picked up a comfortable first set win.

The second set would once again see the defending state champions race out to an early advantage as they were up 12-4 early. Valley City though would keep chipping away at the lead as they took advantage of several mustangs mistakes to cut the deficit down to four points. The Mustangs struggled handling serves for most of the game as the Hi-Liners racked up ten aces throughout the game. The rally though would once again come a bit to late as the Mustangs did just enough to walk away with a 25-22 second set win.

The third set would not see another early Mustang surge as the Hi-Liners prevented their opposition from seizing control early in the set. Valley City would once again capitalize on the Mustangs mistakes to take a late 22-21 lead. The standard 25 points would not be enough to separate the two sides as extra points would be needed.

Valley City had an opportunity late to seal the third set up 27-26 after a misplay by Sheyenne sent the ball over in one, but the Hi-Liners miscalculated their distance in front of the net and left the tip shot short. The Mustangs would then rally to take the third and final set 29-27 improving their record to 8-2 on the year.

Next up for Valley City will be a road contest against the Eagles of Fargo Davies, Tuesday October 17th at 7:00 PM.