By Cort Reynolds

CELINA__The visiting Bluffton High School girls tennis team served up its dual match season opener Monday, August 11 at Celina with a tough 5-0 loss.

The loss dropped Bluffton to 0-1 on the young season.

Senior Hannah Nieman was forced to retire and default early in her first singles match due to a recurring shoulder injury after a 6-0 opening set defeat.

Junior Kate Klinger lost to Katie Guingrich 6-1, 6-0 at second singles.

At third singles, Pirate junior Ari Bowling fell 6-2, 6-1 to Bulldog Larissa Jackson.

Bluffton’s senior first doubles duo of Claire Blackburn and Maizie Digby was defeated 6-0, 6-1.

The Pirate second doubles team of sophomore Peighton Bowers and freshman Leah Hoffman also lost 6-1, 6-0.

“It was a tough road match,” said Pirate coach Trisha Nieman. “But I am proud of our team’s fight and determination from first serve to last point.

”Hannah made the hard decision at first singles to forfeit after the first set due to a shoulder injury she has been fighting through for a few months now,” she continued.

“All players got court time and it was excellent experience,” she added.

The Pirates play their next four matches this week at home. They entertain Western Buckeye League rival Defiance Tuesday in the home opener. Bath, another WBL squad, comes to town Wednesday. Both matches start at 4:30. 

Clyde then visits Bluffton Friday at 5 p.m. The Pirates also host Ottawa Hills Saturday at 10 a.m. to finish a busy week.

“Every match is a chance to grow, and we are coming home stronger, sharper and more ready for the next challenge,” said Nieman.