Wahpeton edges out Quad title; Valley City finishes third

FARGO, N.D. — The Valley City Hi-Liners boys tennis team opened the 2025 season Saturday at the Fargo North Quad, facing North, Wahpeton and West Fargo in the annual early-season tournament. Wahpeton captured the title in dramatic fashion, taking the final match of the day to secure the Quad championship.

Valley City finished third overall, while Fargo North placed second.

Hi-Liners head coach Matt Nielson said his squad battled well, especially against the top two finishers.

“We were right in the matches against Wahpeton and Fargo North,” Nielson said. “And we were the only team to go 12-0 in sets against an opponent on the day.”

Nielson noted Wahpeton returned its full roster from last season and added a notable newcomer.

“Wahpeton did not graduate anyone from last year and transferred in a North Dakota tennis legend’s grandson,” Nielson said. “They were tied against Fargo North with one match to go and Wahpeton won it to win the Quad.”

The Hi-Liners have a long history in the event, winning the inaugural Quad in 2001. Fargo North won the next three titles before Wahpeton claimed this year’s crown.

Individually, Valley City saw several encouraging performances. Senior Quin Kruger moved up from the No. 3 spot to play at No. 1 singles, adjusting his forehand mechanics and finishing with a strong win in his final match.

“He shored those things up throughout the day and started hitting driving slices effectively, which led to a dominant win,” Nielson said.

At No. 2 singles, junior Cole Haugen tested himself in long rallies against Fargo North before earning a tight straight-set victory against West Fargo.

“Cole is a thinker, and the experience of three tough matches will be hugely beneficial going into our first week of EDC play,” Nielson said.

No. 3 player Kellen Westman returned from a tough opening loss to earn a straight-set win over West Fargo, while No. 4 Colin Hoff delivered what Nielson called the “match of the day,” rallying from set points down to beat Fargo North’s returning all-state player in straight sets.

At the lower singles flights, the Hi-Liners found consistency. Sophomore Noah Tulp went unbeaten on the day at No. 5, frustrating opponents with spins and passing shots. Meanwhile, senior Connor Liebersbach played three tiebreakers and earned a tight win against Wahpeton, and sophomore Emery Olson picked up two victories at No. 6.

“Connor put in as much work as anyone in the offseason, and it shows,” Nielson said. “And Emery is playing with joy right now. When he’s having fun, his level of play has been great.”

Valley City opens EDC dual play Tuesday at home against Shanley, followed by a Thursday road match against Fargo South. Due to court conditions, the South match will be played at West Fargo High School.

Results

vs. Fargo North
Kruger lost to Krueger 6-2, 6-2
Haugen lost to Gerhardt 6-3, 6-3
Westman lost to Dick 5-7, 7-6(7), 10-6
Hoff def. Webb 7-5, 7-5
Liebersbach lost to Porter 6-2, 6-7(4), 10-5
Olson def. Meyer 3-6, 6-3, 10-2

vs. Wahpeton
Kruger lost 6-4, 6-3
Haugen lost 6-3, 6-2
Hoff lost 6-3, 6-4
Tulp def. 6-2, 6-2
Liebersbach def. 7-5, 6-7(4), 10-8
Koenig lost 6-2, 7-5

vs. West Fargo
Kruger def. 6-2, 6-3
Haugen def. 7-6(5), 7-6(4)
Westman def. 6-4, 6-3
Tulp def. 6-3, 6-4
Liebersbach def. 6-4, 7-6(7)
Olson def. 6-4, 7-5