VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Valley City girls’ tennis team defeated Grand Forks Central in a surprising upset. The Hi-Liners were able to knock off the #2 team in the EDC conference, which is something they haven’t done in 15 years.

Valley City split with GF Central in their singles matches with wins from Abby Martineck, Kailee Nelson and Georgia Zaun. That left just their doubles matches. The Hi-Liners won two of their three matches with wins from Breck Sufficool/Olivia Ingstad and Abby Martineck/Abby Redfearn.

The 5-4 win gives the tennis team a lot of optimism for the program moving forward. “This year was supposed to be a ‘rebuilding year’”, head coach Matt Nielson said, “apparently nobody told these girls that.” The Hi-Liners have a lot of youth that they will be able to build on in the coming years and could possible make a move to the top of the standings sooner than later.

This was their final home match and the players were emotional after the win. “Maisie [Leick] fought hard and played all out against [Madi] Stauss.  We were all proud of her effort.  She hit winners, picked up low balls, and played patient.  After the match, she had some tears as it was her last ever home match.  Maisie has been good for tennis and tennis has been good for her.  I am grateful to be a part of Maisie’s tennis experience.”

The win secures a winning season for the Hi-Liners. Now, they look to the postseason and will find out what seed they will be after they play Grand Forks Red River on Thursday. If they win they will be the five-seed, if they lose they will be the six-seed.