VALLEY CITY, N.D. – The Valley City girls tennis team battled to the wire Tuesday afternoon but ultimately came up just short, falling 5-4 to Fargo Shanley in their home opener.

“Our two All-Conference juniors, Kailee and Georgia, found ways to win both of their matches today,” head coach Matt Nielson said. “They showed leadership and poise in big moments.”

Kailee Nielson and her sister, Skye, dominated at No. 1 doubles, dropping just one game in a 6-1, 6-0 win that took only 40 minutes. Kailee then overcame a slow start in singles, falling behind 1-4 before settling into her counter-punching style. From there, she dropped only three more games and claimed a 7-5, 6-2 victory at No. 2 singles.

“Kailee is at her best when she’s patient and lets the match come to her,” Nielson said. “Once she did that, she took control.”

Georgia Zaun also went 2-0 on the day, coming back from a 5-2 deficit in doubles with partner Lexi Svenningsen to win in a third-set super tiebreaker. The pair dropped the first set 5-7 before rallying to win 6-3, 10-7. Zaun then cruised in singles, defeating Lucy Tharaldson 6-3, 6-2 with confident, consistent play.

“Georgia played smart tennis today,” Nielson said. “She was calm, set up points well and executed.”

Skye Nielson looked in control early at No. 1 singles, taking the first set 6-1 and leading early in the second. But a more passive approach allowed Shanley’s Mary Wolf to battle back and eventually win in a third-set tiebreak.

“Skye stopped playing her game,” Nielson said. “She’s best when she’s attacking deep and jumping on short balls. This match will help her learn to stay aggressive when it matters most.”

While eighth graders Sara Beierle and Lexi Svenningsen didn’t pick up singles wins, both had their most complete performances to date, impressing with improved footwork, confidence and responsiveness to coaching.

“Wins and losses don’t always show how far you’ve come,” Nielson said. “They attacked the ball, followed through and played smart. I’m proud of how they competed.”

Chloe Liebersbach also gained more varsity experience, and while the results weren’t in her favor, Nielson is confident in her development.

“She gave it her all,” he said. “She’s raw, but she’s learning every time she steps on the court.”

Valley City dropped to 0-2 on the season and will travel to Wahpeton next Tuesday in search of their first win.

Results
Fargo Shanley 5, Valley City 4

Singles

1. Mary Wolf (FS) def. Skye Nielson 1-6, 7-6(5), 10-8

2. Kailee Nielson (VC) def. Gretta Cassola 7-5, 6-2

3. Georgia Zaun (VC) def. Lucy Tharaldson 6-3, 6-2

4. Zoe Kremens (FS) def. Lexi Svenningsen 6-3, 6-4

5. Taylor Cameron (FS) def. Sara Beierle 6-2, 6-1

6. Emmy Williams (FS) def. Chloe Liebersbach 6-2, 6-1

Doubles

1. Kailee Nielson/Skye Nielson (VC) def. Mary Wolf/Gretta Cassola 6-1, 6-0

2. Georgia Zaun/Lexi Svenningsen (VC) def. Lucy Tharaldson/Taylor Cameron 5-7, 6-3, 10-7

3. Zoe Kremens/Emmy Williams (FS) def. Sara Beierle/Chloe Liebersbach 6-3, 6-2