---

The North Branch Vikings continued a strong stretch of play last week, edging the Monticello Magic 4-3 before rolling to a dominant 7-0 sweep over Fridley Tigers.

North Branch 4, Monticello 3

North Branch leaned on its strength in singles play to secure the narrow victory against Mississippi 8 Conference foe Monticello. Senior standout Wyatt Helberg set the tone at No. 1 singles with a convincing 6-2, 6-1 win over William Kuhn. At No. 2, Parker Kroschell was equally sharp in a 6-1, 6-1 victory against Levi Berning.

The Vikings also received an important win from No. 4 singles player Ethan Thelander, who battled through a competitive match to earn a 7-5, 6-4 decision over Sawyer Mich. Monticello picked up the win at No. 3 singles as Lincoln Krohn defeated Ethan Moua 6-2, 6-4.

The deciding team point came at No. 2 doubles where Stephen Gerten and Austin Bzdok delivered a 6-3, 6-4 victory.

North Branch 7, Fridley 0

North Branch wasted little time carrying that momentum into its matchup with Fridley. The Vikings dominated from top to bottom, surrendering just two total games across seven matches.

Helberg opened with a flawless 6-0, 6-0 win at No. 1 singles, while Kroschell followed with a 6-0, 6-1 victory. Moua cruised to a 6-0, 6-0 win at No. 3 singles and Thelander added another point at No. 4.

The doubles teams were just as dominant. Isaiah Das and Billy Tribbett rolled at No. 1 doubles, while Gerten and Bzdok, along with Colt Williams and Tommy Ryder, each posted shutout victories to complete the sweep.

---