By Cort Reynolds

BLUFFTON__The Bluffton High School girls tennis team defeated visiting Van Wert 4-1 on Tuesday, Sept. 15.

The victory improved the Pirate girls' record to 6-3. VW fell to 3-10 with the defeat. All five matches were completed in two straight sets.

At second singles, Pirate freshman Hope Luginbill beat VW senior Maddy Thompson convincingly 6-0, 6-2.

In the third singles bout, sophomore Leah Hoffman rallied to beat VW junior Alli Speiles 7-5, 6-2. Hoffman came back from a 5-2 deficit to win the first set, 7-5.

Seniors Kate Klinger and Willow Angel teamed up at first doubles for a win over Cougars Bristol Wollet and Ella Kimmel by a 6-2, 6-2 count.

Senior Bekah Rehm and junior Peighton Bowers defeated the Cougar tandem of Annabelle Miller and Lxchell Castillo 6-0, 6-2 at second doubles.

VW got its lone win at first singles. Pirate Ari Bowling lost to Cougar junior Lauren Gearhardt 6-1, 6-1.

Pirate sophomore Hailey Utendorf dominated in winning her JV match, 6-0 6-0.

Bluffton plays Ottawa-Glandorf (2-6) on Thursday, Sept. 17 in a makeup match.

The Pirates then host Archbold on Saturday morning, Sept. 19.