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CITY, N.D (NewsDakota.com) The Valley City Hi-Liners hosted the 2013 Eastern Dakota Conference Volleyball tournament this weekend and the host team finished strong despite falling just short of at state tournament bid.

The Hi-Liners opened the second round of play on Friday afternoon against a Wahpeton Huskies team that went 1-1 against Valley City in the regular season. Much like the last time the two met, the Hi-Liners would turn to their offense to tame the Huskies. Led by senior setter, Jessica Denholm who finished the night with 31 assists, The Hi-Liners earned a three set win (25-29, 25-23, 25-22 ) over their opponent.

The win over Wahpeton advanced Valley City to a state qualifying match against Grand Forks Red River Saturday.

Once again, Valley City would try to utilize their offense to earn the trip to Minot, but the Rough Riders defense was too much.  Despite a strong night at the net by Clair Olson, who led the Hi-Liners with 11 kills, the Rough Riders were able to keep the ball on Valley City’s side of the court throughout most of the match. Strong blocking at the net by Keana Burr and Taylor Adam, who finished with two blocks apiece, allowed the Rough Riders to earn a three set win over the host team.

Denhlom would once again lead the Hi-Liners in assists with 25, Dierra Diegel would finish the night with a team high 15 digs. For the Rough Riders, Jamie O’Halloran finished the night with 11 Digs. Burr and Adam finished the match with 7 kills apiece.

The Hi-Liners finished the season with a 11-7 record in the EDC and a 19-15 record over all. Moving on to represent the east region at the 2013 State Tournament are, Fargo South, Grand Forks Red River, Fargo Davies, and the east region champions Fargo Shanley. The Deacons defeated the Eagles in the championship match on Saturday three sets to one.