LITTLEFORK— Northeast Range emerged battered but victorious from their five-set marathon against the Vikings on Tuesday.

Two of the team’s top players, freshman Hannah Reichensperger and senior Shayler Lislegard both went down with injuries.

Reichensperger injured her ankle early in the third set and was out for the rest of the game.

Her head coach, and mother, Jodi Rogers-Reichensperger said the injury appears serious and could keep her out of action for a few games. The condition of Lislegard, who was hurt in the fourth set, was not immediately available.

The Nighthawks fell behind early, losing the first set 25-23. After rebounding in set two with a 25-10 win, the Nighthawks slipped 25-19. But despite their injuries, they held off the Vikings in the final two sets, 25-12 and 15-11 to notch their fifth win of the season.

“They really did great under the circumstances,” said Rogers-Reichensperger. “I couldn’t be prouder of them.”

Despite her injury at the midway point, Reichensperger put up strong stats, with 13 kills, 12 digs, and a block in just over two sets of play. Sophie Lenz had a good night as well, with 15 kills, 12 digs, and three blocks, while Lara Poderzay was a machine from the setter position, posting 35 assists. Maija Maki posted 11 digs and five kills, while Jenna Smith notched 14 digs.

In Monday night home action, the Nighthawks had an off night and fell hard to South Ridge in straight sets, 25-23, 25-14, and 25-21.

“It was an off day,” said Rogers-Reichensperger. “We struggled in every aspect. And when the other team doesn’t it’s a recipe for disaster.”

Sophie Lenz put up 12 kills and eight digs, while Reichensperger posted 11 digs, six kills, and a block. Maija Maki added six digs and three kills, while Lara Poderzay put up 20 set assists.

The Nighthawks offered up a respectable showing at the Greenway tournament on Saturday with a 2-2 record for a fifth-place finish. They topped Mesabi East (25-23, 25-16) and Mt. Iron-Buhl (25-12, 25-21) while losing to Ely in three (22-25, 25-15, and 10-15) and North Woods in two (12-25, 16-25).

In action last Thursday, the Nighthawks dumped the Rangers in three sets, 25-22, 25-17, and 25-22.