WILLISTON - Five-set matches were old hat for Mandan and Williston. Mandan had played in two entering its Oct. 17 contest. Meanwhile, the Coyotes had been in three. So, perhaps its fitting they needed to go the distance in their WDA contest. After the Braves won the opening set, Williston rallied for close wins in sets two and three. However, Mandan would dig in and play its best and won set four and carried thru with a 15-10 win in set five. The victory brings Mandan's record to 6-9 in the Western Dakota Association and 13-14 overall, while Williston moves to 6-9 in the WDA and 7-14 overall.

Mandan had another big match by AnnaClaire Bugbee. She had 25 kills. Sierra Gusavsson finished with 41 assists and 23 digs. Hadley Harris had 24 digs. Williston had a number of players step in the marathon match. Abigale Ferlan had 13 kills and five blocks. Averi Austreim had 12 kills and 19 digs. Alex Austreim had 40 assists and 18 digs.

Mandan will face Dickinson next on October 20, while Williston is set to play against St. Mary's, who hold a 2-12 WDA record, on the same day.