By Cort Reynolds

BLUFFTON__ The Bluffton High School boys tennis team defeated visiting Van Wert 4-1 in their belated home opener Thursday evening, April 10.

The Pirate record improved to 3-1 with the win. The Cougars fell to 0-1 after the loss.

Bluffton senior Branson Hilty won a tough three-set battle at first singles by a 6-2, 1-6, 7-5 count.

Senior Jack Brauen was edged in a three-setter at second singles. Brauen won the first set 7-6 but then fell 6-3, 6-2 in the final two sets.

Junior Nick Lovett won yet another three-set marathon at third singles by eking out a 7-5, 2-6, 7-6 (7-1) win in a third-set tiebreaker.

The first doubles tandem of juniors Grady Coonfare and Isaiah Kohli won in a 6-0, 6-0 blowout.

The Pirate second doubles duo of junior Hudson Phillips and sophomore Brayden McClure triumphed 6-3, 6-3.

The scheduled Pirate home opener Monday, April 7 vs. Defiance was cancelled, as was the slated Wednesday home match vs. Napoleon.