The Blue Devil volleyball team lost some early momentum in a crucial third game in a loss to Anoka-Ramsey by scores of 25-23, 21-25, 18-25, 20-25 in Riverland Gym Wednesday.

After the teams split the first two games, Riverland (9-8 overall, 1-4 MCAC South) jumped out to a 14-7 lead in the pivotal third game, but the Golden Rams rallied for the next 10 points, with Jakki Lindberg serving nine straight points — including back to back aces at one point.

The Blue Devils never got back in that game, but did stay close in the deciding fourth game.

Game four was tied at 19 after a kill by Ashley Lau, who finished with 8 kills, two blocks, 27 digs, and 40 hits. But A-R scored five out of the last six points as Jordan Noska had two kills down the stretch and Sarah Smith had two aces to help close it out.

“It felt like all of those games were neck and neck,” Riverland head coach Helen Jahr said. “But it did feel like we were on defense more than offense and usually that’s a bad feeling.”

The first game was tied at 23, when Krissy Schemmel, who had 18 assists and 14 digs, came up with a tip kill and Brooke Monson hammered home the game-winning kill. Monson finished with 10 kills.

Riverland trailed the second game early 4-0, but bounced back to tie pull within 18-17, but that was as close as they could get. Jahr said the Golden Rams did well for a team with just six players on their roster.

“Becky Schoenecker was killing us at the net and Jordan Noska was blocking well,” she said. “They were tough for a team of six. Never underestimate a team because of their numbers.”

The win moves Anoka-Ramsey into fourth place in the MCAC South with Riverland sliding to fifth. The top four teams make the state tournament.

Kate Krogh had eight kills and 19 digs for Riverland, and Tiffany Pruess had 13 assists.