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CITY  (NewsDakota.com)–The Hi-Liner volleyball team took the latest rally between Valley City and Maple Valley Tuesday night, sweeping the Raiders 3-0 (25-22, 25-16, 25-23) in Tower City.

Maple Valley finished third in the Optimist Volleyball tournament this past weekend in Valley City, while the Hi-Liners finished seventh.  But, while Valley City spent the tournament testing new lineups and used a new one Tuesday night, Maple Valley’s lineup suffered a setback when sophomore starter Katie Pautz suffered an injury in warmups, putting her out of action.

Hi-Liner Mariah Olstad had a solid night, changing to an all-around player from her role of backrow specialist that started her season.  Head coach Katy Van Dyke has seen solid progress from Olstad as a finisher at the net.

Valley City won seven straight rallies in the first set, reversing a 4-1 deficit for an 8-4 lead.  They stretched the lead to 22-15, before a fierce rally by the Raiders cut the lead to 24-22.  Valley City finished the set a point later.

In the second, early trading of points turned into a 12-9 Hi-Liner edge.  The again pulled away, taking a 20-14 lead that forced the Raiders to a stoppage.  Valley City then took four rallies in a row out of the timeout, earning 10 set points.  They converted on the third for a 2-0 match lead.

Maple Valley then roarded out to a 12-5 lead in the third.  Valley City challenged to within a point on three different occasions, with the Raiders preventing the tie each time, a trading of points that led to the longest rally of the match.

The Hi-Liners ended the match with four straight points, turning a 23-21 deficit into a 25-21 win for the sweep. 

Van Dyke said playing with discipline and blocking Raider hitter Rylee Nudell were keys to the win.

Valley City faces Devils Lake Thursday night at the Hi-Liner Activity Center.