DICKINSON, N.D. – Three Vikings tallied double-digit kills as the VCSU volleyball team used a balanced attack Monday night to hang on for a five-set victory at Dickinson State University.

Valley City State won the first two sets, 25-20 and 25-21, but Dickinson State forced the match to go the distance after taking sets three and four by scores of 25-14, 25-21.

The teams went back and forth in the deciding fifth set. The Vikings built an early 5-1 lead, but Dickinson State would score nine of the next 11 points to take a 10-7 edge. VCSU battled back to tie it at 12-12, and then put the match away with a 3-1 run. Paige Benson smashed kills on two of the Vikings' final three points, including match point that secured a 15-13 set victory and a 3-2 match victory.

Valley City State improves to 12-10 overall and 5-3 in the North Star Athletic Association. VCSU is currently third in the NSAA standings, one game back of Bellevue University (6-2) and one game ahead of Dakota State University (4-4). Dickinson State drops to 4-16 overall and 2-6 in the NSAA. Monday's match at Dickinson was rescheduled from Oct. 10 after an early-season snowstorm forced a postponement.

Benson led the Viking attack with 14 kills and three blocks Monday night. Clarissa Olson tallied 12 kills and three blocks, and Katie Juarez had 11 kills and nine digs. Both McKinley Putnam and Autumn Johnson posted six kills.

Valley City State narrowly outhit Dickinson State, .127 to .114. VCSU had 53 total kills while the Blue Hawks had 49. The Blue Hawks held a 13-8 advantage in block points. VCSU served seven aces but committed 10 serving errors. Dickinson State had six aces and only three serving errors.

Charlotte Huschka led VCSU's back-row defense with 22 digs. Hailie Wilds had 14 digs and a team-high three service aces. Leah Ruter totaled 31 assists, six digs and three kills. Reagan Ingstad had a double-double with 14 assists, 11 digs and two aces.

Up next: Valley City State is back home for a busy weekend of games. The Viking JV faces Dawson Community College on Thursday at 5 p.m. On Friday, the Vikings host Waldorf University for a conference match at 7 p.m. On Sunday, the Vikings host No. 4-ranked Viterbo University at 3 p.m.