Photo by Jake Olson: Fairmont's Jensen Schomberg hunts for the ball during Thursday afternoon's match against Redwood Valley.

FAIRMONT – Despite the defeat to Redwood Valley on Thursday afternoon, 7-0, Fairmont boys tennis head coach Laura Olsen saw progress from a team that came into the season with youth on their side.

She knew it would be a challenge when facing a talented Redwood Valley opponent. What made things more difficult was that Fairmont was without four of its main varsity players in the lineup. This forced Olsen to delve into her junior varsity athletes’ groups in hopes of gaining valuable experience against tough competition. Even if the results weren’t there, Thursday’s match proved valuable for the future. Another chance to grow.

“Everyone went into today’s match recognizing it as an opportunity to be challenged and to get better overall,” Olsen said.

Zach Malecek started the singles off with a 6-0, 6-0 victory over Aiden Mutschler for Fairmont. Zack Lundeen followed suit right after with his 6-0, 6-0 victory for Redwood Valley over Jonah Vetter. Fairmont’s Jensen Schomberg battled in the second set before ultimately falling to Mason Davis, 6-0, 6-1. Rick Green and Lilly Ortega were the last two players standing, with Green getting the job done with a 6-0, 6-0 victory.

Zach Ashland and Leander Nelson were taken down by Redwood Valley’s Dylan Anderson and Charlie Fox 6-0, 6-1. The duo of Parker Olsen and Carter Simmering had a handful of rallies against Yzykiel Rendon and Kaden Hicks, but fell short in both sets 6-3, 6-2. Grant Simmering and Ryland Truesdell were outlasted by Redwood Valley’s Fltcher Leach and Ethen Keehl in both sets, 6-1.

Fairmont is quickly returning to its home courts on Friday afternoon. The Cardinals take on a visiting Pipestone Area team beginning at 4:30 p.m.

“I was extremely proud of the great attitude and effort that was shown across the entire lineup,” Olsen said. “It will be fun to watch our young team over the next couple of seasons.”