In a match Valley City fans won’t soon forget, the Valley City Hi-Liners overcame the West Fargo Horace Hawks in a thrilling five-set showdown, securing two crucial points in their bid for a home game in the EDC playoffs.

The Hi-Liners launched the match with a fierce start, overcoming an early 3-0 deficit in the first set to claim a 17-14 lead. Despite a Hawks timeout, Valley City held momentum with standout plays from Kadie Kocka and Dacota Potratz. Jovi Borg clinched the set, sending a powerful kill past the Hawks’ defense for a 1-0 lead.

Set two saw a similar back-and-forth as both teams fought hard, tying at 15-15 before Valley City broke away with an 8-1 run. Sophomore Morgan Larson’s serving provided the Hi-Liners with a comfortable edge, and Kocka capped off a 25-19 win, giving Valley City a 2-0 advantage.

The Hawks rallied in sets three and four, led by sophomore Jordan Christofferson’s all-around dominance. Christofferson’s defense, front-line attacks, and service aces propelled Horace to a 25-16 win in the third and a 25-19 fourth set after a late 5-0 run by Valley City fell short.

The Hi-Liners carried their late momentum into the fifth, taking an early 8-6 lead. However, Jordan Christofferson’s strong serving helped the Hawks reclaim the advantage, 9-8, prompting a Valley City timeout.

Returning with renewed energy, Dacota Potratz delivered a crucial kill to tie the game at 9-9. From there, freshman Brynn Lueck’s steady serves, including two aces, kept Valley City in control. Senior Bailey Leroux sealed the victory, driving the ball off the Hawks’ block and past a diving defender to secure a 15-9 fifth-set win for the Hi-Liners.

Valley City will face Grand Forks Red River Thursday at 7 p.m., with live coverage on 1490 AM/96.3 FM KOVC, NewDakota.com, and KOVC TV’s YouTube Channel.