By Cort Reynolds

BLUFFTON__The Bluffton High School girls tennis team lost a home makeup match to visiting Shawnee 4-1 on Wednesday, September 3.

The loss dropped the Pirate net record to 3-6 this season. The Indians improved to 3-3 with the win.

Despite a nagging shoulder injury, Hannah Nieman posted the Pirate win at first singles by a 6-4, 6-4 count over Brailynn Murphy.

“Hannah brought home a win at first singles,” said Bluffton head coach Trisha Nieman. “We are proud of the way she played. For the second night in a row, she showed resilience and determination, finishing strong and winning gracefully. 

“Tennis is as much a mental game as it is physical,” she continued. “Staying focused through pressure points, keeping composure after a mistake, and having the confidence to close out a match all take mental toughness 

“Hannah showed that in back-to-back nights. She will take a break Thursday to rest and re-set before Saturday's tournament in Elida.”

The second doubles duo of Peighton Bowers and Leah Hoffman nearly won an eighth match in row before falling in a third-set tiebreaker. The Pirate pair won the first set 6-3, then lost 11-9 in the final tie-break.

“Our second doubles team, Peighton Bowers and Leah Hoffman, played strong; they rallied to win the second set sending them into a 10-point tie break,” said Nieman. 

“The loss was close, but how we handle a loss says just as much as how we handle a win. Losses are opportunities to learn, grow, and show maturity and that's exactly what this group is doing.”

Pirate Ari Bowling lost at second singles in straight sets. Teammate Claire Blackburn also fell at third singles in two sets. The duo of Willow Angel and Kate Klinger were defeated at first doubles in two sets.

Bluffton plays Lima Central Catholic at UNOH on Thursday, Sept. 4. They then compete in the Elida tournament Saturday.