Nieman qualifies for district tourney

By Cort Reynolds

LIMA – Seven members of the Bluffton High School girls tennis team competed hard on the first day of the Div. II sectionals at UNOH in Lima Thursday.

Only one was left standing at the end of the day with Bluffton posting a 5-4 record. The Pirates were 3-2 in singles play and 2-2 in doubles action.

“What a day of tennis,” said Bluffton head coach Trisha Nieman. “With nine courts buzzing and 11 teams competing, our Bluffton girls came ready to battle.”

Pirate senior ace Hannah Nieman won both of her matches Thursday to advance to the semifinals and automatically qualify for the Port Clinton district tournament.

Three Pirates played in the singles tournament, with two duos competing in the doubles flight. The qualifying rounds were played on Thursday, with the final two rounds Saturday to determine placement and sectional titles.

The top four singles players and top four doubles teams advance to the district tournament October 8 and 11.

As the number four singles seed, Nieman received a bye into round two. In the round of 16, she beat O-G’s Myah Bockrath handily 6-0, 6-2. 

In the quarterfinals, Nieman again won by a decisive 6-0, 6-2 score over Van Wert’s Lauren Gearhart to reach the semifinals.

“Watching Hannah play is like watching an artist at work,” said Nieman. “She plays with passion and love of the game. In her first match, she won with smart cross-court play and nearly flawless shot execution. She showcased strategy and stayed mentally strong.  

“In round two, she faced Van Wert’s Lauren Gearhart, a fierce competitor she met earlier this season,” said the coach. “Their match was filled with long rallies, deuce games, and high-level shot-making. Hannah’s focus and determination carried her to a victory.” 

Nieman will play Ottawa-Glandorf top seed Maggie Schmiedebusch in the semifinals Saturday. The two did not meet Sept. 23 because of a Nieman injury when the Titans beat the Pirates 5-0.

Pirate Claire Blackburn received a first round bye at sectionals and then lost to O-G ace Schmiedebusch in straight sets.

“Claire Blackburn faced a tough first-round draw vs. Schmiedebusch,” said Nieman. “Claire rose to the challenge, playing smart, steady tennis and refusing to give away free points. Watching her battle against such a skilled opponent was a highlight and a great way to close her season.”

Pirate Ari Bowling defeated Kenton’s McKenna Stanforth in the first singles round by a 7-5, 6-1 count. She then lost to Elida’s Saige Bullock 6-1, 6-2 in the round of 16 to be eliminated.

“Ari Bowling kicked things off bright and early at 9 a.m. against Kenton’s McKenna Stanforth,” Nieman recalled. “After dropping the first three games, Ari dug in and flipped the script, taking the first set 7–5 in a two-hour marathon match. She closed strong with a 6–1 second set victory. 

“In her second round, Ari fell to Elida’s Saige Bullock, but the score didn’t reflect the grit and competitive rallies she played,” the coach offered. “Ari should be proud of ending her season with energy, effort, and determination.

Kate Klinger and Willow Angel got a first round bye in the doubles draw. The duo won a three-set battle in the round of 16 over Wills and Lunz of Celina 6-3, 3-6, 6-4.

But in the quarterfinals the Pirate duo was knocked out by the top-seeded LCC team of Heffner and Heffner 6-0, 6-1.

“Kate Klinger and Willow Angel fought through a three-set thriller in their opening doubles match against Celina’s Lily Lunz and Kayanna Wills, coming out on top,” said Nieman. 

“Their teamwork, communication, and aggressive net play were their best yet this season,” she continued. “In the next round, they faced LCC’s top doubles team of sisters Alex and Alana Heffner, falling 0–6, 1–6, but showing great growth and mental toughness.”

Pirates Peighton Bowers and Leah Hoffman defeated the LCC duo of Annika Niemeyer and Gracy Malcom 6-3, 6-4 in their first round of 32 doubles match.

“Peighton Bowers and Leah Hoffman came into sectionals ready for redemption against LCC’s Annika Niemeyer and Gracy Malcom, a duo they lost to in the regular season,” Nieman observed. 

“With focus and strategy, Peighton and Leah secured a 6–3, 6–4 win. Their preparation and grit showed through every point,” she continued. 

In the round of 16 bout, the plucky Pirate tandem lost a tough three-setter to Manon and Hibbard of Defiance Ayersville 7-6, 3-6, 6-0 to be eliminated.

“In their second match, they battled Ayersville’s Emily Manson and Hadleigh Hibbard through three sets before falling just short,” said Nieman. These two have been a joy to watch all season, and their competitive drive promises even more success ahead.

“We are so proud of every girl who stepped on the court today,” the coach summed up. “They showed heart, fight, and love for the game.”

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