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N.D (NewsDakota.com) For the third time this season, West Fargo had the number of the Hi-Liners as the Packers earned a 59-47 win over Valley City in the Eastern Dakota Conference girls semifinals.

The Hi-Liners came out on the attack using the full court press to steal the ball away from the Packers in the first half. However, the Packers would keep the game close by working the ball under the basket to Cassidy Nelson who finished with a game high 13 points and 11 rebounds. 

As the first half came to a close the Hi-Liners worked their way to the basket cutting a three point lead to just one. Then on the ensuing inbound Clarissa Olson would steal the ball away to and knock down the shot to give Valley City a one point lead and the momentum heading into the break. 

In the second half, the Packers would take back the lead with a quick 4-0 run. The two teams would continue to trade leads throughout the rest of the game. It wasn’t until the final minutes that the Packers would pull away with solid free throw shooting. 

While Nelson led the Packers in points, Valley City was led by Dierra Diegel’s 17 point night. Jessica Denholm also reached double digits hitting two three pointers in the game for 11 points in the contest. 

The loss is Valley City’s first of the tournament, which means tomorrow they will play Wahpeton in the first State Qualifier starting at 11:00 am. The game can be heard on 1490 KOVC.