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The weather and some very good opponents have thrown a wet blanket over the early part of the North Branch girls' tennis season.

"Our first tournament was rained out on the 18th of August and moved to the following Monday, when it was rained out again, and then played, finally, Friday the 24th. This was the day after our home tournament was rained out and moved to the next week," said Viking head coach Tom McLaughlin.

At Elk River Tournament (8/24)

Elk River 7, North Branch 0

"They have a very good, deep team. We played fairly well, but only third doubles (Emily Byrne and Kacey Fuller) were close, winning the first set 6-2, before losing the second 4-6 and the tiebreaker 3-10," McLaughlin commented.

Rogers 6, North Branch 1

"Mandy Johnson and Katie Wicklund won our only point, at first doubles (6-4, 6-1)," McLaughlin said. "Second doubles, Crystal Miller and Catie Bettendorf, lost in three sets (1-6, 6-0, 2-6). Third doubles, Emily and Sarah Byrne, also lost in three sets, by scores of 3-6, 6-3 and 4-6."

Robbinsdale-Cooper 6, NB 1

After more rain delayed the start of the Vikings' conference season opener, NB was beaten 6-1 by the Cooper Hawks Wednesday, August 29.

"Fourth singles, Emily Byrne, played a close first set, losing it in a tiebreaker 2-7, but lost the second set 0-6," the coach said. At second doubles, Crystal Miller and Catie Bettendorf picked up the Vikings' only point by winning 7-5, 1-6, 6-3. The NB third doubles team, Bailey Milligan and Jessica Klow, lost in three sets (4-6, 6-1, 1-6).

First win of the season!

The Vikings swept all three doubles points and Quiana Quam earned her first varsity win, at third singles, Thursday August 30. The 4-3 home victory, over Columbia Heights, was the first of the season for the Vikes.

Meet Summary/Coach's Comments

1D Mandy Johnson and Katie Wicklund won 6-2, 6-1.

2D Crystal Miller and Catie Bettendorf won 6-1, 6-0.

3D Bailey Milligan and Jessica Klow won 6-2, 7-5.

3S Quiana Quam

won 6-4, 6-2.

2S Sarah Byrne

lost a heartbreaker of a match 6-7 (6-8), 6-7 (5-7) losing both tiebreakers in a match

that was as close as any I have ever seen.

1S Sara Fletcher and

4S Emily Byrne

both lost, but played better this day.

White Bear Lake 7, NB 0

The Viking Invitational, originally scheduled for August 23, was rained out. Due to scheduling conflicts, only White Bear Lake was able to make it to the make-up event Friday, August 31.

"Kacey Fuller was close at fourth singles, losing 3-6, 4-6, as were first doubles, Mandy Johnson and Katie Wicklund (3-6, 4-6), and third doubles, Emily Byrne and Bailey Milligan (3-6, 3-6)," McLaughlin added.

"We have played one match on the scheduled date with all the rain early on. Our doubles play has been better than the singles play so far. Both are improving," the coach concluded.

The Vikings are scheduled to play at the Blaine Tournament Saturday, September 15, host St. Francis Monday, September 17 and travel to St. Louis Park Tuesday, September 18.

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