WEST FARGO, N.D. — The Valley City Hi-Liners boys tennis team dropped a 9-0 decision to West Fargo Sheyenne on Tuesday, but the dual provided valuable experience for both varsity regulars and first-time Eastern Dakota Conference competitors.

Both teams maximized their rosters, playing 12 athletes each. For Valley City, that meant first EDC appearances for Evan Schroeder and Jon Koenig, and first singles action of the year for Andrew Hoff and Emery Olson.

“Evan loves the game and has worked hard on improving his skills,” Hi-Liners head coach Matt Nielson said. “He made his opponent work for every point in his first varsity match ever.

Schroeder fell 6-2, 6-1 at No. 6 singles to Sheyenne’s Tyler Duffy. Hoff and Olson also showed flashes in their debuts. Hoff mixed in pace changes and higher balls to stay competitive, while Olson adjusted from early errors to play steadier in his second set.

Valley City’s most competitive singles matches came at the top of the lineup. Senior Cole Haugen pushed former doubles state champion Brandt Aslakson before falling 6-3, 6-2. “Cole had several deuces and won five games against one of the best players out there,” Nielson said. “His rhythm and patience on his strokes improved considerably this match.”

At No. 3 singles, junior Connor Liebersbach dropped a tight 6-3, 6-4 match against Sheyenne’s Nicholas Angus. “Connor was more consistent with his serves and strokes, which made for a very close match,” Nielson said.

In doubles, the Hi-Liners tried different strategies and gained lessons against strong Mustang pairings. Quin Kruger and Kellen Westman weren’t able to slow down Sheyenne’s top duo, but Westman attacked volleys aggressively while Kruger controlled with well-placed lobs.

At No. 2 doubles, Matthew Holm and Colin Hoff experimented with new looks, including Australian formation. “Matthew slid closer to the T on his serve and bombed a few down the middle for aces and service winners,” Nielson said. “Way to work to improve by experimenting this match.”

Koenig and Gray Kasowski held a 5-2 lead in the first set at No. 3 doubles before Sheyenne turned the tide for a 7-6 (4), 6-3 win. In an exhibition, seniors Colin Hoff and Jackson teamed up to close the day with what Nielson called “the game in its purest form — two senior friends just going out and enjoying tennis together.”

Though Valley City was unable to secure a win, Nielson emphasized that the focus remains on growth. “Cole and Connor both brought their A games today, Andrew and Emery made key adjustments, and Evan competed hard in his debut,” he said. “This match gave us a lot to build on.”

The Hi-Liners return to action Thursday at home against Wahpeton. The dual will feature a free hot dog feed with chips, fruit, desserts and lemonade for players, families, fans and community members.

West Fargo Sheyenne 9, Valley City 0
Valley City listed first

Singles

1. Cole Haugen lost to Brandt Aslakson 6-3, 6-2

2. Noah Tulp lost to Leighton Heick 6-0, 6-0

3. Connor Liebersbach lost to Nicholas Angus 6-3, 6-4

4. Andrew Hoff lost to Kendrad Borowicz 6-1, 6-2

5. Emery Olson lost to Brody Bikic 6-1, 6-2

6. Evan Schroeder lost to Tyler Duffy 6-2, 6-1

Doubles

1. Quin Kruger/Kellen Westman lost to Carson Pederson/Jordan Clemenson 6-1, 6-2

2. Matthew Holm/Colin Hoff lost to Loghyn Schroeder/Isaac Johnson 6-2, 6-1

3. Jon Koenig/Gray Kasowski lost to Will Lawler/Beckett Heick 7-6(4), 6-3