By Cort Reynolds

LIMA__The Bluffton High School girls tennis squad opened its season by finishing fourth in the day-long, six-team Lima City tournament on a hot Saturday, August 9 at the Collett Street Courts.

Wapakoneta won the event with 24 points. Ottawa-Glandorf finished second with 17 points, followed by Elida (14), Bluffton (8), host Lima Senior (6) and Bath (6).

The Redskin girls were represented in all five title matches, winning four.

“We finished fourth, which is a great starting point for us for having only had four practices so far,” said Pirate tennis coach Trisha Nieman. “Both of our doubles teams are new to varsity tennis, and I am really excited to see this team grow.

“I am proud of how all of our girls played,” she continued. “We brought our whole team to this Lima Senior tournament, all 17 players. What a huge team this year.

“It was a hard, long and hot start to our season,” said Nieman. “But it was a great experience for all of them.”

Pirate Hannah Nieman finished third at first singles to post the top Bluffton finish. She went 3-1 on the day, facing players from four different schools.

“Phenomenal tennis was played by all the first singles players,” Nieman enthused. “Hannah came in prepared, stayed locked in and delivered an outstanding performance.”

She said the second doubles team of Peighton Bowers and Leah Hoffman played well despite picking up rackets for the first time two months ago.

“They are remarkable, a coach’s dream,” said Nieman. “They are eager learners, positive, and a joy to coach.”

Third singles player Ari Bowling rallied but lost 6-3 in her final match. She trailed 5-0 yet dug deep and won the next three games before succumbing. “She can hold her head high,” said Nieman. 

Bluffton plays at Western Buckeye League foe Celina Monday, August 11 at 4:30 p.m. The Pirates then host four home matches this week. 

First up, they entertain WBL rival Defiance Tuesday in the home opener. Bath, another WBL squad, comes to town Wednesday. Both matches start at 4:30. 

Clyde then visits Friday at 5 p.m. The Pirates will host always-tough Ottawa Hills Saturday at 10 a.m. 

Coach Nieman noted that the team would love to have the community come out and support the team during their four-match homestand this week.

LIMA SR. CITY TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHES: 

1st Singles: Maggie Schmiedebusch (O-G) d. Liberty Jolly (W) 8-1 

2nd Singles: Kate Eley (W) d. Mya Long (E) 8-2 

3rd Singles: Brooklyn Mowery (W) d. Gianna Marfo (B) 8-0 

1st Doubles: Anja Walters/Ava Eley (W) d. Ellen Troyer/Leila Staley (E) 8-0 

2nd Doubles: Mylie Moser/Neveah Dancer (W) d. Kasey Inkrott/Madelyn Inkrott (O-G) 8-1