VALLEY CITY, N.D. — Valley City’s bid to reach the EDC boys tennis tournament came up just short Monday as the Hi-Liners fell 3-2 to Fargo South in a play-in match at the North Courts.
The Bruins swept the top two singles spots as expected, and while Valley City answered with wins at No. 3 singles and No. 1 doubles, the Bruins clinched the dual with a straight-sets victory at No. 2 doubles.
“We thought they would go 1, 2, 3 in singles and they did,” Hi-Liners head coach Matt Nielson said. “We countered it and came up short 2-3. In life, sometimes you can give it your all and things still don’t go your way.”
Junior Cole Haugen and senior Connor Liebersbach capped their season with a strong performance at the top doubles flight, winning 6-3, 6-2. Seventh grader Andrew Hoff added Valley City’s other win, defeating South’s true No. 3 player in a gritty 6-2, 5-7, 10-8 battle.
“This loss should not detract from our two EDC wins on the season and earning the right to host the play-in match,” Nielson said. “It stings as we had five seniors working towards making the EDC tournament.”
The dual marked the end of the team season for Valley City, and Nielson reflected on the contributions of his senior class.
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Noah Tulp — Earned eight wins on the year with his unique style of play, while providing comedic relief and energy.
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Matthew Holm — A tireless worker and devoted teammate who celebrated a memorable doubles win on senior night with classmate Colin Hoff.
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Colin Hoff — Selflessly put the team first, even stepping aside Monday to give others the best chance to compete.
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Connor Liebersbach — A latecomer to tennis who developed into a varsity contributor and finished his career with a doubles victory.
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Kellen Westman — A motivator and mentor, always encouraging teammates and even supporting the JV team at their invite.
“Tennis, along with all activities, teaches us lessons,” Nielson said. “No matter how much the pain is right now of a loss, the sun will rise tomorrow and a new day will begin full of opportunity.”
While the team season is complete, the Hi-Liners will still be represented in the EDC Individual Tournament this Friday and Saturday in Fargo. Players must reach the semifinals or consolation quarterfinals to advance to Day 2.
Results
Valley City listed first
Fargo South 3, Valley City 2
Singles
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Quin Kruger lost to Josh Wilkinson 6-1, 6-3
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Noah Tulp lost to Noah Schultz 6-4, 7-6(5)
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Andrew Hoff defeated Henry Wuitschick 6-2, 5-7, 10-8
Doubles
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Haugen/Liebersbach defeated Youngquist/Schwengler 6-3, 6-2
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Westman/Holm lost to Balvitsch/Kirkeby 6-3, 7-5