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St. Francis Tournament-

Nobody can say that the North Branch girls tennis team has it easy. Starting the season with three straight tournaments, the Vikings traveled to St. Francis on August 16 for the first matches of the year.

The fast and furious schedule started with a thud when Elk River disposed of the Vikings 7-0. However, North Branch saved their best tennis for last, finishing the tourney with wins over Princeton and Monticello.

“We had a great first day of matches and we played really well considering the heat and humidity,” said first year head coach Kristin Unverzagt. “The girls had a wonderful attitude to start the season.”

After a difficult weekend, the Vikings had just two days to rest before their next round of matches.

Elk River 7

North Branch 0

North Branch 5

Princeton 2

North Branch 4

Monticello 3

Coon Rapids Tournament-

Standing at 2-1 on the season, it was back to the court for the Coon Rapids tournament last Tuesday.

The Vikings opened up with a 7-0 loss to Coon Rapids followed by a 4-3 loss to South St. Paul. For the second straight tourney, North Branch finished strong by winning their last match of the day, defeating St. Francis 6-1.

Coon Rapids 7

North Branch 0

South St. Paul 4

North Branch 3

North Branch 6

St. Francis 1

NB Invite-

The whirlwind week came to a close on Thursday when the Vikings hosted the North Branch Invite.

After falling to Centennial, the Vikings struggled late, losing matches to Champlin Park and Mora.

Individually, the Vikings number one doubles team of Shannon O’ Hern and Kelsey O’Hern tied for first place with a 2-1 record.

“Despite the fact that we only have three wins to start the season, the girls have high expectations as conference matches begin,” remarked Unverzagt. “The girls are very positive and willing to work hard to achieve their goals.

Centennial 5

North Branch 2

Champlin Park 6

North Branch 1

Mora 7

North Branch 0

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