There's a fine line between winning and losing in the Skyline Conference this season.

Thursday, the Phoenix volleyball team barely ended up on the wrong side of it.

The Pirates played a five-set match for the third time in conference play, falling to visiting North Valley. Phoenix won the first and third sets (25-22 and 25-19) while North Valley took the second and fourth (25-23, 25-15) before rallying for a 16-14 win in the fifth and final set.

Phoenix built a 7-0 lead in the final set before North Valley went on a 14-4 scoring run. The Pirates responded by tying the match at 14-14 before two straight points gave North Valley the victory. 

PHS got 14 kills and three blocks from Josie Bolstad and 13 kills and two aces from Katelyn Hanson in the match. Abi George added 15 digs and two kills.

The Pirates are 2-3 in conference play and return to action Tuesday when they host Henley.