Once again it was the Hi-Liners marching in to take on another top-5 ranked EDC opponent, and once again it was the Hi-Liners that emerged with a close 5-4 victory. This time it was Grand Forks Red River that fell to the rackets of Valley City, as the win improves Valley’s record to 7-1 in the EDC with the 8-0 Sheyenne Mustangs on deck in their final regular season match on Friday in West Fargo.

Last time out against Fargo Davies it was the depth that shined for the Hi-Liners as depth of the squad help pick up the top of the order. This time out it was the top of the Hi-Liner team the shined through in the win, with Breck Sufficool picking up a Singles victory and partnered with Abby Martineck for a first team doubles win. When asked about his top doubles team Head Coach Matt Nielsen said “Breck and Abby attacked in doubles and never let up, and closed the door on one of the best doubles teams in the EDC.”

At the end of singles competition the matches were knotted up at three matches apiece with Kailee Nielson and Georgia Zaun picking up the last two singles victories for the Hi-Liners. The deciding match was the second doubles match as the team of Kailee Nielson and Georgia Zaun put the match out of reach with a straight sets win over Kate Hinschberger and Dana Chahal, taking each set by a final score of 6-3.

Coach Nielsen commented on the pride he has in his team after what was a very emotional day. “Today was a tough day that started with the funeral of a classmate, Landon Storly. I am so proud of all of our players – and it has nothing to do with the score board.  Our players leaned on each other today. Our players shared emotion with their teammates and coaches. I’m proud of our tennis players and our whole student body that showed love and support to Landon’s family.”

With the win the Hi-Liners now have a chance to secure the regular season EDC crown on Friday against West Fargo Sheyenne with that match beginning at 4:00pm.