FARGO, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Bismarck Century used its height and experience to pull out a three set victory over Valley City in the opening round of the State Class A volleyball tournament at the Fargodome.
In each set, Valley City started off great, but the Patriots would slowly pull away with strong defense to win.
In set one, the two teams tied at each point, 1,2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7 ,8. But a serves error gave Century a 9-8 lead, which grew to a 19-12 lead thanks to an 11-4 run. Valley City would get to within five at 21-16, but Century scored four of the last five points for the win 25-17.
In set two, the Hi-Liners again stayed close early. They were down 6-5 before Century went on 10-2 run to open up a 16-7 lead. But Hailey Fletcher ended the set with her fourth and fifth blocks of the match and the Patriots won 25-16.
In the third set, same story, different set. The Hi-Liners jumped out to a 2-0 lead. Century would tie it at 2. Then the set was tied at 3, 4, and 6. But Century would go on a 8-1 run to open up a 14-7 lead. Valley City would get back to with five at 18-13 and 19-14. Century would end the set on a 6-0 run to take the set 25-14.
The Patriots kept the Hi-Liners from getting into any rhythm with 14 blocks. Hailey Fletcher and Sarah Fleming lead the way with 6 each. Hattie Fitterer led the offense with 13 kills. Julia Fittererhad eight, Fletcher added seven. Delani Clarke and Kaia Lill each had 18 assists. And Libero Chloe Markovic lead the defense with 16 digs while Julia Fitterer had 15.
The H-Liners were led by Macy Olstad with nine kills. Jadyn Dieterle, Cali Halgrimson and Lindsey Noeske had five kills each. Natalie Lemnus had 13 assists Dylann Diegel added 12. Halgrimson and Jocey Kriewald had nine digs. Noeske had eight digs and three blocks.
With the loss, the Hi-Liners fall to 17-13 and will face Bismarck in the consolation semifinals Friday at 3pm. Century has won 22 matches in a row and improve to 27-2. They will face West Fargo Sheyenne in Friday’s second semifinal.
You can hear the Hi-Liners and Demons Friday afternoon on 1490 AM KOVC/96.3 FM and newsdakota.com. Coverage begins at 2:30.
Day 1 State Results:
Class A
Fargo Davis 3, Mandan 0
Fargo Shanley 3, Jamestown 1
Bismarck Century 3, Valley City 0
West Fargo Sheyenne 3, Bismarck 0
Photo Credit (wdasports.org)