FARGO, N.D. — Shanley knocked off Valley City 6-3 in the Hi-Liners’ Eastern Dakota Conference opener Tuesday, giving Deacons head coach Finn O’Donnell his first career victory.

“It was our first conference match of the season and we proved to be a bit green,” Valley City head coach Matt Nielson said. “Tennis is a game of errors — and errors are what did us in today. We need to shore up our double faults, service return errors and the mistakes that come from improper footwork and decisions.”

The Hi-Liners still had bright spots, led by sophomore Quin Kruger. Kruger earned his first career win at the No. 1 singles slot, defeating Jack Bilstad 7-5, 6-3, and later teamed with Kellen Westman to sweep the top doubles match 6-4, 6-0.

“Quin recognized when he just needed to hit the ball in play and when he needed to find a way to win the point,” Nielson said. “He’s only a sophomore, but his tennis IQ rivals a seasoned senior.”

Westman, making his first start at No. 3 singles, dropped his match 6-2, 6-2 to Jaden Go after battling through several deuce games. Nielson said the junior is still learning how to balance the mental differences between singles and doubles.

“Kellen started too high, taking unnecessary risks,” Nielson said. “But once he learns to settle into singles the way he does in doubles, he’s going to be tough to beat.”

At No. 2 singles, junior Cole Haugen forced a decisive third set before falling to Sota Pierce 6-3, 1-6, 6-3. Haugen, who jumped from No. 6 last season to No. 2 this spring, showed promise despite the loss.

“Cole has really upped his spin rate and velocity on his offensive shots,” Nielson said. “Understanding when to use that versus a neutral ball will be key for him. Forcing a third set today was a huge success.”

Valley City’s other singles win came from senior Noah Tulp, who improved to 3-0 this season by defeating Alex Buisan 6-1, 7-5 at No. 5.

“Noah does everything in his power not to lose a point,” Nielson said. “He’s able to lob or pass when opponents attack the net, and he blocks shots back when they stay at the baseline. He was a gamer last season and he’s starting this season the same way.”

Shanley clinched the match with wins at No. 4 singles, No. 6 singles and two of the three doubles courts.

Even with the loss, Nielson said his team stayed positive.

“Our players listened to coaching and gave 100%,” Nielson said. “I am proud of our team. Look for the Hi-Liners to improve as the season goes on.”

Results
Valley City 3, Shanley 6

Singles

1. Quin Kruger (VC) def. Jack Bilstad 7-5, 6-3

2. Sota Pierce (Shanley) def. Cole Haugen 3-6, 6-1, 6-3

3. Jaden Go (Shanley) def. Kellen Westman 6-2, 6-2

4. Mark Wanner (Shanley) def. Colin Hoff 6-0, 6-3

5. Noah Tulp (VC) def. Alex Buisan 6-1, 7-5

6. Jonah Reindl (Shanley) def. Connor Liebersbach 6-4, 6-0

Doubles

1. Kruger/Westman (VC) def. Bilstad/Go 6-4, 6-0

2. Pierce/Buisan (Shanley) def. Haugen/Liebersbach 6-2, 7-6 (5)

3. Wanner/Reindl (Shanley) def. Hoff/Matthew Holm 6-3, 6-4