VALLEY CITY, N.D. — For the first time this season, the Valley City Hi-Liners tasted defeat in regional play, falling to Kindred in a five-set thriller Tuesday night. The Vikings rallied from a 2-0 deficit and survived a match point to complete the comeback, winning 3-2 (18-25, 18-25, 25-22, 25-20, 16-14).

Valley City controlled the opening two sets, each by a 25-18 score. The first set saw the Vikings hold a narrow 17-16 lead before the Hi-Liners closed on a 9-1 run to take the opener. In the second, Valley City seized control midway through the frame and never let Kindred build momentum, cruising to a two-set advantage.

Momentum shifted in the third and fourth sets as slow starts plagued the Hi-Liners. Valley City fell behind 17-10 in the third and 19-10 in the fourth. Despite late rallies in both sets, Kindred held on for 25-22 and 25-20 wins to even the match at two sets apiece.

In the decisive fifth, Kindred jumped ahead 13-7 before Valley City mounted one last surge. Junior Layni Bakalar came off the bench and sparked the Hi-Liners with six straight service points, including an ace to tie the score at 13-13. Valley City earned a match point at 14-13, but Kindred answered with a perfectly placed drop shot, then scored the final two points to claim the 16-14 win and complete the comeback.

Valley City (11-2) will look to bounce back Thursday when they travel to take on Central Cass at 7:15 p.m. The match will be broadcast on 1490 AM/96.3 FM KOVC and streamed online at NewsDakota.com.