FARGO, N.D. (NewsDakota.com/Matt Nielson) – The Hi-Liners fell to Fargo North at Elephant Park 6-3.  We were tied 3-3 before the Spartans claimed the last three matches.

Results:  VC Always Listed First

VC 3

FN 6

Singles:

1. Breck Sufficool lost to Erika Spanjer 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(4)
2. Maisie Leick lost to Lainy Latunski 2-6, 3-0, retired
3. Abby Martineck lost to Sophie Thompson 6-2, 6-3
4. Lexia Nix lost to Mallony Pladson 6-0, 6-3
5. Kailee Nielson defeated Laura Simmons 6-4, 6-4
6. Abby Redfearn defeated Ellen Erickson 6-3, 6-2

Doubles:

1. Sufficool/Olivia Ingstad lost to Spanjer/Latunski 6-4, 6-3
2. Martineck/Nix lost to Thompson/Hardie 6-3, 7-5
3. Leick/Nielson defeated Pladson/Erickson 6-3, 6-3

Varsity Exhibition Match Record:

Lilly Kiefert 2-1

Georgia Zaun 2-2

Ari Abrahamson 0-3

Abby Redfearn 1-0

Coaches Thoughts:

The Hi-liners were in the match to the very end.  Breck had two match points in the third set that she wasn’t able to convert and ended up losing in the tiebreaker to a very good opponent in Spanjer.  Maisie was up a set when a knee injury forced her to retire.  The Hi-Liners also missed an opportunity at #2 doubles being up 5-2 in the second set and didn’t close.  Consistency was an issue up and down our line-up causing us to give our opponents free points on unforced errors.  We are young.  We are green.  We are a work in progress – learning and growing as we move forward through the season.

Our #1 and #2 have only one year of varsity experience from their 7^th grade year  and an 8^th grade year respectively.  Our #4, #5, and #6 have no varsity before this season.  To be able to push Fargo North to its limits, a team of only juniors and seniors, is proof that Hi-Liner tennis is headed in the right direction.

Breck and Olivia had a good comeback in the first set of the doubles.  They were down 5-2 before closing the gap to 5-4.  They had several great points with quick hands and putting volleys away.  They are also figuring out when to go down the line and when to lob.  Way to learn while you play!  Breck has now played a third set in all of her singles matches on the year – she is giving her fans their money’s worth!  Breck and Erika had moments of brilliance and also moments of hesitation against each other.  It was a great back and forth battle that was fun to watch!  Breck should be proud of herself for her effort in this great match of #1s.

Abby and Lexia played against a Thompson.  Thompsons from North have always been great doubles players.  Thompson is in the right positions at the net, attacks the ball, and puts it away.  In the first set, her prowess at the net along with our inconsistency from the baseline led to an easy first set win for Fargo North.  In the second set, we played looser and more consistent from the baseline and found a way to keep the ball away from Thompson to go up 5-2.  Fargo North upped their game while we got a little in our own heads while they went on a 5 game tear to win the match.  In singles, Abby played Thompson again.  This was a good match for Abby as she was playing a very good player.  Abby sees how important it is to continue to develop a consistent topspin shot on both sides is to be successful at that level.  We will continue to work!  Lexia – our doubles specialist – needed to step into the singles line-up with Olivia out due to resting an injury.  Lexia struggled with returns and groundstrokes in the doubles.  In the singles, she was able to work on her return and groundstroke game.  She struggled with both in the first set.  She found her groove in the second set with her groundstrokes.  Let’s carry that momentum into the match against Sheyenne!

Maisie and Kailee played a smart match at #3 doubles.  They played the wind very well, played very consistent from the baseline, and kept the ball away from the net player.  At the net, Kailee and Maisie are starting to move better to be in the correct spot to take volleys.  They are also figuring out where to put the volleys to win points.  Maisie played at #2 singles for us and she had no pressure.  On paper, Maisie was a big underdog.  Maisie played loose and extremely consistent.  She let her opponent make the mistake and become frustrated.  She followed the consistent strategy all the way to a 6-2 first set victory.  In the second set, Maisie was running for a ball when an excruciating pain hit her in her knee.  We took an injury timeout, but the pain was too much leading to a retirement.  We are all proud of how she played that match.  Excellent work Maisie.

Kailee and Abby Redfearn played #5 and #6 singles again and won again.  Kailee is a backboard with speed.  She never gives up and can throw up a defensive lob if she is in trouble.  Abby plays a flatter, harder ball than Kailee which leads to her opponents hitting the ball out.  Abby does this with a high level of consistency.  Especially at #5 and #6 singles, keeping the ball in is the #1 factor in who wins and Kailee and Abby do just that.  Kailee needs to continue to develop her serve along with her topspin ground game to continue to improve.  Abby is working on slowing down between points.  Keep improving Kailee and Abby!

We have so much potential on this team.  We grow each match.  It is exciting to coach this team and to be a part of their tennis journeys.  Excellent job today ladies!