Sarea Gu Secures Second Straight North Dakota State Singles Title

GRAND FORKS — Sarea Gu experienced a much more relaxed atmosphere at this year's North Dakota state singles tournament compared to the previous year. "This year was a lot less stressful," remarked Gu, a junior from West Fargo Sheyenne, after she successfully defended her title on Saturday. She triumphed over Minot's Kyllie Fettig with a score of 6-1, 6-2 at Choice Health and Fitness.

Throughout the tournament, Gu showcased her dominance, not dropping a single set. Her toughest challenge came in the quarterfinals, where she defeated Bismarck Century's Jenny Pitcher 6-3, 6-1. In the semifinals, she easily overcame Williston's Avy Ator with a score of 6-1, 6-0 before facing Fettig in the final match. Fettig, the West Region singles champion, also earned recognition as North Dakota's Senior Athlete of the Year.

Gu noted a shift in her mindset during the finals, stating, "This year, especially during the finals, I was less tentative. I was worried about being aggressive rather than just holding back and trying not to lose." Her powerful forehand was a key factor in her assertive play. "I always just try to keep the rally going until I see an opportunity to go and finish it with my forehand," she explained.

With this victory, Gu joins her sister, Mimi, as the last player to win consecutive singles titles, with Mimi's wins occurring in 2021 and 2022. Next year, Gu will aim to become the first player since Shaelyn Johnson of Red River to secure three singles championships, a feat accomplished by Liza Wischer from 2002-2007.

Meanwhile, in doubles, Valley City seniors Kailee and Skye Nielsen capped off their high school careers by winning their second consecutive North Dakota state doubles title. The sisters defeated West Region champions Ava Thuner and Grace Olson from Minot with a score of 6-0, 6-3. "It's pretty crazy," Kailee said, reflecting on their achievement. "We weren't really expecting to win, because it's really hard to go back-to-back. But I'm glad I ended on a high note for my career."

The Nielsens faced a tough semifinal match against Bismarck Century’s Ava Dunlop and Sophia Edland, dropping the first set before coming back to win the match 6-4, 6-2, 6-1. After clinching the title, the sisters celebrated with joy, with Kailee exclaiming, "I screamed, then I started crying, per usual. It was very exciting."