Valley City State was defeated by nationally-ranked Bellevue University in three straight sets 25-20, 25-13, and 25-21.

Valley City State also celebrated its seniors in their final home match of the season. The home presence in the crowd contributed to high energy on the court but wasn’t quite enough to propel the Vikings to a victory.

Valley City State came off a conference win over Dakota State last night which fueled some early momentum in set one as they hit .229 and committed only five errors. Bellevue came out stronger as they hit .268 in the set contributing to 16 kills for the Bruins and a 25-20 win.

The second set was all Bellevue as they hit .343 to Valley City State’s zero and took the set 25-13.

The Vikings battled back in set three taking their largest lead of the game at 15-10. The Bruins would not give up as they came back to tie at 17. From there, the Bruins would score eight of the next 12 points to take the set 25-21.

Valley City State falls to 5-15 overall and 1-8 in the North Star. Bellevue improves to 21-5 overall and 7-2 in the NSAA.

Valley City State was led by senior Charlotte Huschka who recorded a team-high 16 digs. Reagan Ingstad talled 18 assists and one service ace for the Vikings while Alexa Walby added 13 assists.

Caitlyn Fischbach recorded 9 kills for the Vikings while Ellie Stafford added six.

Bellevue was led by Sierra Athen and Coree Lipovsky as they each tallied 10 kills Saturday. Athen also added 11 digs for the Bruins while Madi Evans added 15.

Setter Olivia Galas contributed 39 assists and five kills for Bellevue.

UP NEXT: Valley City State is on the road next weekend as they travel to face Waldorf University on Friday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m.