GRAND FORKS, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – When Cali Halgrimson and Hope Petersen defeated the team of Marissa Burian and Lily Andrews of Fargo Davies in straight sets at the EDC individual tennis tournament in Fargo last weekend to move into the semifinals, it added to the lore of Valley City Hi-Liner tennis. For a seventh straight year, a Hi-Liner doubles team reached the semifinals at the EDC meet, no other team can say that.

Head coach Matt Nielson says, the first year when Destiny Winkler and Carissa Olson reached the semifinals, it was a surprise to some. Since that time, no surprises. But this year, it took some great tennis to keep the streak alive.

 

Halgrimson has been part of that streak in recent years, and again this year with a new partner. Halgrimson says getting the right partner is more that just about playing ability.

 

Petersen says, it was Halgrimson’s idea at the EDC meet to pair up.

Halgrimson says personality wise they are a good fit. While she is more excitable, Petersen is more grounded. Being good tennis players helps to.

Coach Nielson says there may be a couple of favorites, but for the most part the field is wide open.

 

The team portion of the state tennis meet was held Thursday. West Fargo Sheyenne won the team title with a 5-0 win over Fargo Davies. Minot, the defending state champs took third with a 4-1 decision over Fargo North and Mandan was consolation champs with a 4-1 win over Legacy. It’s Sheyenne’s second title in four years.

The individual portion begins Friday morning at 10am at Choice and Health Fitness in Grand Forks. Cali and Hope will go against Sophia Felderman and Bre Helbling from Mandan.

Here is the complete interview with Coach Matt Nielson and players Cali Halgrimson and Hope Petersen.