Hi-Liners Dominate Central, Turn Eyes Toward EDC Title Battle

The Valley City Hi-Liners just keep finding ways to win. Valley City stayed unbeaten on the season Thursday night with an impressive 8-1 victory over Grand Forks Central, moving to 7-0 overall and setting up a massive showdown next week against Red River with the EDC regular season title and No. 1 regional seed on the line.

The Hi-Liners were dominant up and down the lineup once again, winning five of six singles matches and sweeping doubles play. Coach Nielson credited the team’s toughness and ability to adjust throughout the match.

“We were on our heels early in a few spots,” Nielson said. “But once we started attacking forward and playing aggressively at the net, we really took control.”

At the top of the lineup, Georgia Zaun battled back after dropping the opening set to defeat Ali Wilhelmi in a gritty three-set match. Nielson praised Zaun’s mental toughness after weathering an opponent that “was on fire” early in the contest.

Meanwhile, Kailee Nielson and Skye Nielson continued to anchor the lineup in both singles and doubles. The sister duo settled in after a slow start in doubles before cruising to a straight-set win, while Skye turned in what Coach Nielson called “one of her best singles matches of the year.”

Lexi Svenningsen and Cambrie Westman also teamed up for their first varsity doubles match together and responded with a strong performance. Nielson noted how quickly the pair adjusted during the match and praised their ability to take coaching “on the spot” and immediately apply it.

One of the most eye-opening stats for Valley City this season is the dominance of the top of the lineup. According to Coach Nielson, Georgia Zaun, Kailee Nielson, and Skye Nielson are now a combined 39-1 on the year, with the lone loss coming against last season’s state singles champion. Add undefeated No. 4 singles player Lexi Svenningsen into the mix, and the Hi-Liners’ top four players are an astounding 52-1 this season.

“I’ve been high on our top three all season,” Nielson said. “They’ve been leaders for us and have state tournament experience. Lexi has quietly put together an incredible season too.”

The win also came during Valley City’s annual Tennis Night celebration, where the VCTA hosted a community hot dog feed and fan event. Coach Nielson made sure to recognize the volunteers and parents who helped make the night special for both teams and fans.

With a packed week ahead featuring Dickinson, Mandan, Fargo South, Horace, and the loaded Sheyenne Invite, the Hi-Liners now turn their focus toward maintaining momentum and sharpening their game before postseason play begins.

Team Result

• Valley City Hi-Liners def. Grand Forks Central — 8-1

• Hi-Liners improve to 7-0 on the season

• Valley City won:

  • 5 of 6 singles matches

  • All 3 doubles matches

Singles Results

1. Georgia Zaun def. Ali Wilhelmi
   4-6, 6-2, 10-5

2. Kailee Nielson won
   6-2, 6-3

3. Skye Nielson def. Stella Blue
   6-3, 6-1

4. Lexi Svenningsen def. Hailey Johnson
   6-3, 6-2

5. Kinlee Sufficool fell to Peyton Ault
   6-7(3), 6-4, 10-8

6. Cambrie Westman def. Leah Johnson
   6-7(5), 6-3, 10-2

Doubles Results

1. K. Nielson / S. Nielson def. Wilhelmi / Blue
   6-3, 6-1

2. Zaun / Sufficool def. Lemu / Johnson
   6-4, 6-1

3. Svenningsen / Westman def. Ault / Lindseth
   6-3, 6-2

Season Notes

• Valley City’s top four players are now a combined 52-1 this season

• Georgia Zaun, Kailee Nielson, and Skye Nielson are a combined 39-1

• The only loss among the trio came against the defending state singles champion

• Lexi Svenningsen remains undefeated at 12-0

• Kailee & Skye earned the #1 seed in the top doubles bracket at the Sheyenne Invite

• Georgia Zaun earned the #3 seed in the top singles bracket at the Sheyenne Invite

Photos courtesy of Alyssa Thomsen Photography