MASON CITY — It was a back and forth battle as the Vikings of Northwood-Kensett traveled to Mason City to take on the Newman Catholic Knights. The Vikings gave up two runs late in the sixth inning, losing to the Knights 9-7.

The Vikings struck first and in the first inning, thanks to an RBI single from senior infielder Jocelyn Kluender one out in the inning.

The Knights would respond in their half of the  first inning, as they tacked on three runs to take a two run lead.

Northwood-Kensett answered, though, with a big second inning. The Vikings retook the lead scoring three runs, thanks to a series of base hits from the Vikings.

Northwood-Kensett was able to build on its lead even more in the third, as they tallied three more runs to take a 7-3 lead into the bottom half of the inning.

Vikings starting pitcher Kayla Senne pitched a complete game, giving up 10 hits and striking out six batters.

Newman would start its comeback in the third inning, though, scoring two runs to narrow the lead to two runs. The Knights would add another run in the fourth and fifth innings, tying the game at 7-7 with two innings left to play.

In the bottom of the sixth  and with two outs, the Knights capitalized on a three-hit rally and scored two runs to take a lead into the final inning of play.

The Vikings were unable to sustain any of their early momentum and failed to add any more runs to their total.

The Vikings will be back on the field Monday as they travel to Manly to take on the Central Springs Panthers.