BISMARCK — The Valley City Hi-Liners have made history by advancing to the North Dakota Division A volleyball championship for the first time, following a thrilling 3-1 victory over top-seeded South Prairie-Max on March 15, 2024. Senior outside hitter Kadie Kocka not only recorded her 1,000th career kill during the quarterfinals but also finished the semifinals with 17 kills, including the decisive point in the fourth set.
The match took place at the Bismarck Event Center, where Valley City triumphed with set scores of 25-15, 23-25, 25-8, and 25-22. Kocka’s final kill not only sealed the match but also underscored the team’s determination and ambition. “It’s so important to us,” Kocka stated. “It’s been our goal since Day 1. Going into the state championship, we just need to stay healthy, stay confident, and have the mentality to win the game.”
Key Players Shine in Semifinal Match
Valley City, seeded fourth with a record of 26 wins and 11 losses, will face No. 2 May-Port-C-G, which currently has a record of 30 wins, 7 losses, and 1 draw, in the championship game scheduled for March 16, 2024, at 17:30. Sophomore outside hitter Skye Nielson contributed significantly to the victory, recording eight kills, including crucial back-to-back putouts that gave the Hi-Liners their first lead in the fourth set at 18-16.
Kocka praised Nielson’s performance, stating, “(Nielson) is a big key player on the outside. Her hitting those big swings is very important, especially in these big games.” Head coach Cynthia Klabo echoed this sentiment, highlighting Nielson’s competitive spirit, “She’s a gamer; she just wants to win.”
The Hi-Liners faced challenges during the match, trailing by as many as six points in the fourth set. They regrouped and fought back, showcasing their resilience and teamwork. Kocka also led the team defensively, racking up a game-high 23 digs, while senior Kinlee Sufficool added 22 digs and sophomore middle hitter Nora Pederson contributed with two blocks.
South Prairie-Max’s Strong Performance
Despite the loss, South Prairie-Max, with an impressive record of 34 wins and 4 losses, had standout performances from senior outside hitter Skotti Beck, who recorded a game-high 19 kills along with 17 digs. Seniors Hattie Heer and Abby Mikkelson each made significant defensive contributions, tallying seven blocks.
Following their semifinal defeat, South Prairie-Max will compete for third place against No. 3 Central Cass on March 16, 2024, at 10:00. The Hi-Liners are now focused on their upcoming championship match, where they will strive to secure their first state title.
As Nielson put it, “Same thing as today. Just keep that energy up and keep swinging hard.” With the championship match ahead, Valley City is poised to make a lasting mark in the state volleyball scene.
