By Cort Reynolds

LIMA– The visiting Bluffton High School girls tennis team battled hard but lost 4-1 to Lima Central Catholic at UNOH in a dual match on Thursday, September 4.

The Pirate team drops to 3-7 after the defeat. 

“At first doubles, Kate Klinger and Willow Angel battled through to take the win in a tie break and our lone victory of the night,” said Pirate girls head coach Trisha Nieman.

The Bluffton duo rallied to pull off a 1-6, 6-2, 13-11 win in a third-set tiebreaker.

“At second doubles, Peighton and Leah pushed their match all the way to a tie break as well, showing grit until the very end,” said the coach.

The Pirate duo won the first set 6-2, but lost set two 4-6 and fell in a third-set tiebreaker, 10-2.

Ari Bowling fell in straight sets at first singles, as did Pirate senior Claire Blackburn at second singles.

Pirate Bekah Rehm also lost at third singles 6-0, 6-4.

“All of our players competed well, fighting through the windy conditions and playing strong tennis across the courts,” said Nieman. 

“Sometimes the final score doesn't reflect just how close the games were, so many points went into deuce and advantage, proving the effort and determination our girls brought to every match,” she added.