GRAND FORKS, N.D. – A rain delay couldn’t slow the Grand Forks Red River boys’ tennis team Thursday as the Roughriders cruised to a 9-0 win over Valley City in Eastern Dakota Conference play.
The match, delayed an hour by rain, began with singles in hopes of finishing before dark. Despite the sweep, Valley City coach Matt Nielson said he saw encouraging progress from his team.
“Kellen played really great points with long rallies along with consistent defensive balls,” Nielson said. “Colin worked his serve and hit it more consistently today. His volleys were smooth with no wasted movements leading to winning points at the net. Connor played more consistent today with block backs and higher neutral balls.”
In doubles, the Hi-Liners shook up their pairings and produced some of their sharpest play of the season. The top duo of Quin Kruger and Cole Haugen kept their opening set tight at 3-3 before Red River pulled away, while Noah Tulp and Kellen Westman had two points to level their second set at 5-5. At No. 3 doubles, eighth graders Gray Kasowski and Beck Dietrich gained valuable varsity experience.
“Today’s doubles had some of the best gets, best volleys, best returns, and best movement of the season,” Nielson said. “As the doubles were moving well, staying positive, and having fun, it was fun as a spectator to watch.”
Valley City (2-3 EDC) will return home Friday morning for back-to-back matches against Minot North at 9 a.m. and Mandan at 11 a.m.
Results
Grand Forks Red River 9, Valley City 0
Singles
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Julian Mallory, RR, def. Quin Kruger, 6-0, 6-0.
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Max Mecham, RR, def. Cole Haugen, 6-0, 6-2.
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Kevin Martinez, RR, def. Kellen Westman, 6-2, 6-2.
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Cullon Rust, RR, def. Colin Hoff, 6-2, 6-2.
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Gabe Schauer, RR, def. Noah Tulp, 6-2, 6-0.
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Ethan Mason, RR, def. Connor Liebersbach, 6-3, 6-2.
Doubles
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Mallory/Martinez, RR, def. Kruger/Haugen, 6-3, 6-1.
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Mecham/Kyler Bydal, RR, def. Westman/Tulp, 6-2, 6-4.
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Rust/Schauer, RR, def. Kasowski/Dietrich, 6-0, 6-2.