ROCHESTER — The Vikings certainly didn’t look like an underdog against top-ranked Faribault Bethlehem Academy in the Section 1A West Finals, but they couldn’t quite keep pace with the Cardinals.

The No. 2 seeded Vikings had their season end in a loss by scores of 25-27, 25-19, 25-21, 25-13 to FBA in Mayo Civic Center Arena Thursday. Hayfield edged out a close game one victory and it led in games two and three before bowing out in those contests.

“We knew we had to come in and play our game,” said Hayfield senior Jo Bungum, who had eight kills and 17 digs. “Our game is sometimes unstoppable and we played our hearts out. That’s all that matters.”

Hayfield (18-11 overall) looked to be headed for a 2-0 lead when it led the second game 15-11, but FBA setter Payton Nutter scored three points down the stretch on tips. The Vikings took a 17-15 lead in game three on a block by Savanna Cordle, but FBA took control with some big blocks and digs.

Hayfield led 4-0 to start the opening game and it scored the last three points to win it.

“We really rose to the occasion with the opportunity to play number one,” Hayfield head coach Jeremy Struck said. “We knew we had to be the more aggressive team and we showed that in games one, two and three. I think we gave them as much as they could handle. One of the good characteristics of Hayfield volleyball is we’re not going to give up for anybody.”

The Vikings were neck and neck with the Cardinals in the first three games, but FBA was always able to find a way to get points when it needed them. Bungum credited the Cardinals (25-4 overall) for playing well.

“Their system is great and their coach [Franz Boelter] is an amazing coach. I’ve got to give credit to them,” Bungum said. “He knows how to teach girls where to put the ball and they know when to get the ball in their strong hitters. They’re a good team.”

Hayfield will graduate a total of eight seniors, but it will return to strong freshmen in Carrie Rutledge, who had seven kills and 17 digs, and Maggie Streightiff, who had seven kills and 13 digs.

Bungum said the freshmen gave Hayfield a big boost this season and they should continue to do that in the years to come.

“I’m really glad they stepped up this year and I know they’re going to be a great thing for Hayfield coming up in the next couple of years,” she said.

Hayfield stats: Jo Bungum, 8 kills, 20 digs; Carrie Rutledge, 7 kills, 17 digs, 4 blocks; Maggie Streightiff, 7 kills, 12 set assists, 13 digs, 1 block; Savanna Cordle, 3 kills, 5 digs, 4 blocks; Kaila Meyer, 15 set assists, 11 digs, 2 aces