GRAND FORKS, N.D. (NewsDakota.com)- From the 8th seed from the east to a 5th place finish and all state honors, Valley City High School sophomore Blake Triebold had an impressive run through the state tournament last weekend in Grand Forks. Triebold became the first Hi-Liner boys’ tennis player in over a decade to place and earn all state recognition in singles.

The opening round draw was a tough one pinning Triebold against the west’s top seed, Michael Janes from Bismarck Legacy. The eventual state champion earned the win 6-0, 6-0. Triebold said after the loss and moving to the consolation bracket he was able to refocus on the mental side of the game

The next four matches of the tournament went to The Hi-Liner’s way and in the 5th place match he beat Koby Kuenzel of Grand Forks Red River 7-5, 2-6, 6-3. Triebold, who’s been a on the team since 8th grade, said he was able to learn from the experience

Overall The VCHS Boys’ tennis team finished 4-12 and lose just one senior in Hale Kringlie.