VALLEY CITY, ND (NewsDakota.com)  Valley City outlasted Wahpeton in a gritty, four-set affair at the Hi-Liner Activities Center 3-1 (25-23, 24-26, 26-24, 25-22) Tuesday night.

No lead was safe in the match.  The Hi-Liners opened up a 12-2 lead in the first set, then fought off the Huskies after Wahpeton pulled to within 24-23.

Meanwhile, Wahpeton led 24-21 in the third set with the match tied, and was called for screening on a play that saw the Huskies try to substitute a player for their libero after the service signal had been given by the referee and the ball had been thrown into the air for service, a bizarre play not seen often in volleyball.  Valley City used the play to start a five-point run to steal the third set.

On a night where consistency was difficult to find, Sam Hatcher captured Ivy Real Estate Group Player of the Game honors with 11 kills, three blocks and an ace, along with a solid defensive effort.

Valley City picks up their third Eastern Dakota Conference (EDC) point, and will play at power West Fargo Thursday.