VALLEY CITY, ND  (NewsDakota.com)  Viking volleyball faced two Montana teams getting national recognition over the weekend, and came up just short each night.

Valley City State fell to Montana-Western, who was previously ranked #11 in the nation, 3-1 (25-22, 23-25, 25-17, 25-20) Friday night, then dropped a 3-2 (24-26, 25-17, 23-25, 25-14, 15-12) Saturday afternoon.

After winning the second set against Western, the Vikings had a 13-9 lead in the third, and appeared to be gaining momentum, before the Bulldogs rallied.

Maci Fridgen led the Vikings with 17 kills and two blocks in the match.  JayCee Richter recorded 31 digs.

The Vikings then led Montana Tech 10-8 in the fifth set Saturday before ultimately falling in the deciding set.  Danielle Hagler had 14 kills to lead the Viking hitting, while Morgan Freije added 11 kills and six blocks to led at the net.

The Vikings head to Montana this week for a week-long stay, facing Montana State-Northern in Havre Friday, then playing at the University of Providence on Saturday.