BISMARCK - Williston secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over St. Mary's in a WDA showdown on Sept. 15 at SMCHS Tony Wald Court. The victory was the Coyotes' third in a row and improved them to 3-3 in the Western Dakota Association and 4-8 overall. St. Mary's, meanwhile, fell to 0-5 in the conference and 3-8 overall.

After Williston grabbed the opening set, St. Mary's dug in and gutting a pair of set victories, including a 25-23 triumph in the second set. SM won the third set 25-21. However, Williston would respond, getting set four and then completing the comeback with an exciting 15-13 outcome in the fifth, and decisive set. For Williston, Averi Austreim was a key offensive player, recording 16 kills. Alex Austreim directed the Coyotes' attack with 37 assists. Rylee Irgens was instrumental in defense, amassing 49 digs.

St. Mary's showed strong performances with Cloey Kraljic leading the match with 13 kills. Sydney Kukowski anchored the defense with 29 digs, while Sophia Schlinger contributed significantly with 12 kills and 24 assists.

Williston will next face Legacy, who holds a 4-1 conference record and 7-4 overall, on September 17. St. Mary's will look to bounce back against Dickinson, currently 0-4 in the WDA and 1-9 overall, on the same day.