The 10-by-15 banner Langdon's fans displayed looked to be an adage.
But the section-sized sign that read "Never Say Never" proved to be the Cardinals' motto.
Langdon dug itself out of a two-game hole before edging Park River-Fordville-Lankin 10-25, 23-25, 25-23, 25-22, 15-12 Friday night at the Minot State University Dome to advance to tonight's Class B state-title match.
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Daniel Allar/MDN
Langdon senior outside hitter Abbey Braaten attempts a spike as Park River-Fordville-Lankin’s Kirsten Johnson (14) moves into position for a block Friday at the Minot State University Dome.
The Cardinals, whose 15 tournament appearances is a classification best, will lock up with Kindred tonight at 8 p.m. in the championship.
Abbey Braaten was instrumental in her club's unlikely comeback, finishing the evening with 22 kills, 14 digs and three aces.
"They ranked us fourth in the district and said we wouldn't even win the regional," Braaten said. "It was our tough serves all year. Coach has been pushing that and that's what what we did tonight."
PR-F-L was assertive at the net in the first two sets, simply overpowering the Cardinals' front line. The Aggies' Kristen Johnson had her way with Langdon in the lopsided first set on her way to a team-high 17 kills, two blocks and two aces.
The only way Langdon countered that power was to add a degree of difficulty to its serves in an effort to keep it away from Johnson.
When the Cardinals were down 15-11 in third set and facing the consolation bracket, a timeout helped propel the momentum shift.
"Coach just told us to never give up," said Braaten, whose emphatic kill ended the match. "And that this is our time."
Langdon went on a 8-2 run following the break, ultimately leading to its comeback win.
PR-F-L couldn't shake off its nerves when push came to shove.
"We started playing a little tentative," PR-F-L coach Sherry Currie said. "At the same time I'm proud of my girls; they did their best."
The Aggies will face off with Linton-HMB today at 2 p.m for third place.