Hi-Liners Make History at West Fargo Invitational with Title, Podium Finishes
FARGO, N.D. — It was a long and rewarding day for the Valley City Hi-Liners as they competed alongside 20 other teams in Saturday’s grueling West Fargo Invitational, which featured 333 total matches across 9 brackets. The team made program history with their first-ever #1 doubles championship at the event and capped the day with Georgia Zaun winning the #1 singles consolation bracket—the first Hi-Liner to place at the top singles flight.
History Made at #1 Doubles
Kailee and Skye Nielson brought home the hardware at #1 doubles, winning four straight matches including a super tiebreak victory in the finals over Davies’ Lee/Wanzek—the same team they edged out just five days earlier.
The duo cruised through the early rounds, then battled through a tricky semifinal against the Jorgenson sisters from Bismarck Century before staging a confident, aggressive finish in the super tiebreak of the final. Coaches emphasized the importance of attacking forward and playing confidently at the baseline—and Kailee and Skye responded with championship poise.
“This is a huge milestone,” said Coach Matt Nielson. “We’ve never taken home the title at #1 doubles here before. They earned it.”
Zaun’s Grit Pays Off in 5th Place Run
Georgia Zaun authored the comeback of the tournament, storming back from a 3-7 deficit to win six straight games and take a 9-7 victory over Grand Forks Central’s Ali Wilhelmi in the #1 singles consolation final. After falling to eventual champion Sarea Gu in the main draw, Zaun rallied through the back draw with consistency, smart adjustments in the wind, and clutch mental toughness.
Her fifth-place finish marks the highest singles finish for a Hi-Liner at the prestigious tournament.
Strong Doubles Showings Across the Board
Lexi Svenningsen and Sara Beierle had their best tournament to date, winning two matches and narrowly falling in the consolation semifinal at #2 doubles. Coach Jamie praised their movement and team play, calling it their “best doubles ever.”
Rylyn Johnson and Chloe Liebersbach also notched a win at #3 doubles before running into eventual champions and a strong Davies duo in the back draw. Despite the results, their court awareness and positioning continue to evolve.
Solid Play in Singles Flights
With most varsity players in doubles, Valley City’s singles brackets were filled by younger and rising players. Alizabeth Nelson shined with two wins at #4 singles, and both Addie Tufte and Kylie VanBruggen earned first-round wins in their respective brackets.
Maddie Nelson and Sophie Gilbertson battled hard in elevated roles at #2 and #3 singles, gaining valuable experience against top competition.
Valley City Placers at West Fargo Invitational
#1 Doubles – Champions (4-0)
Kailee & Skye Nielson
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Def. Haider/Schettler (BHS) 6-2, 6-2
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Def. Kryjevski/Webb (FN) 6-3, 6-2
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Def. Jorgenson/Jorgenson (BC) 6-2, 6-4
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Def. Lee/Wanzek (FD) 6-4, 6-7(4), 10-5
#1 Singles – 5th Place (4-1)
Georgia Zaun
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Def. Caylin Kraft (BL) 7-6(1), 7-5
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Lost to Sarea Gu (Shey) 6-2, 6-2
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Def. Lilia Rexin (H) 8-1
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Def. Addy Clark (MN) 8-2
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Def. Ali Wilhelmi (GFC) 9-7
Looking Ahead
The Hi-Liners are back in action Tuesday at Grand Forks Central (3:30pm) before hosting Horace Thursday at 3:00pm in the final home match of the season. Senior recognition and the annual Tennis Celebration (with National Guard and VCTA meal at 5:00pm) will follow—open to all fans and community members.