Grand Forks Red River Clinches First East Region Title Since 2017
GRAND FORKS — After their victory at No. 2 doubles, Kalli Block and Brielle Larson of Grand Forks Red River exchanged handshakes with their West Fargo Sheyenne opponents, signaling the start of a celebration.
The Roughriders girls tennis team rushed onto the court at Fargo’s Courts Plus Fitness Center to rejoice in their first East Region championship since 2017, defeating the regular-season champions West Fargo Sheyenne by a score of 3-2.
“It’s been a long time for our program, so this feels incredible,” said Red River coach Greg LaDouceur. “The girls have put in tremendous effort and performed exceptionally well, even in the areas where we faced losses.”
Once a dominant force, Red River claimed 14 consecutive girls tennis state titles from 2002 to 2015, featuring a lineup of star players. During that impressive streak, the Roughriders secured 12 singles state champions and 11 doubles champions.
This year’s team is achieving success through depth rather than star power. “Each title is unique and special,” LaDouceur remarked. “We aren’t just superstars; we work hard and support one another. I couldn’t be prouder of this group.”
Red River excelled in the No. 3 singles position and both doubles matches. Freshman Ruby Schneider won 6-0, 6-0 against Sheyenne’s Kendall Bartnick at No. 3 singles. Sophomores Lauren Endres and Elizabeth Kilgore triumphed over Avni Banerjee and Ashley Duffy at No. 1 doubles, while the duo of Block and Larson bested Anna Mauch and Annika Knodle at No. 2 doubles.
Red River is set to enter the team tournament as the East Region’s No. 1 seed next Thursday at Choice Health and Fitness in Grand Forks, aiming for their first state title since 2017. “The excitement was palpable among the girls and their families,” LaDouceur noted. “They were just bursting with joy when we won the last point. We wanted to wait for the handshakes to celebrate.”
