By Cort Reynolds<\/p>\n
BLUFFTON__The Bluffton High School girls tennis team prevailed in its home opener against visiting Defiance and the weather by posting an exciting 3-2 comeback victory on Tuesday, August 12.<\/p>\n
The first win of the season upped the Bluffton record to 1-1 this season.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat a way to open the home season,\u201d said Pirate head coach Trisha Nieman. \u201cOur team came ready to fight, and they brought home the victory in front of the home crowd.\u201d<\/p>\n
At second singles, Pirate junior Ari Bowling rallied from an 0-4 deficit in the first set to win 7-5, 6-2. \u201cAri showed grit and determination and stormed back,\u201d said Nieman. \u201cShe then carried that momentum into the second set for a solid 6-2 win.<\/p>\n
\u201cA true comeback performance that set the tone for the rest of the day,\u201d she noted. \u201c<\/p>\n
Senior Willow Angel made her third singles debut and posted a decisive 6-1, 6-2 victory. \u201cShe covered the court beautifully, chasing down shots in every corner and keeping her opponent on the move.\u201d<\/p>\n
With senior Hannah Nieman out due to a sore shoulder, junior Kate Klinger stepped into the first singles spot for the initial time and lost 6-2, 6-1. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cEven though it was a tough loss, she stayed positive, kept hustling and gained valuable experience at the top spot,\u201d noted Nieman.<\/p>\n
Bluffton\u2019s senior first doubles duo of Claire Blackburn and Maizie Digby lost 6-1, 6-2.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThey didn\u2019t get the win but they fought hard every point,\u201d the coach said. \u201cTheir positive attitude and willingness to learn will serve them well as the season goes on. They are growing as a doubles team and showing they can compete with anyone.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
With the overall match tied 2-2, the Pirate second doubles team of sophomore Peighton Bowers and freshman Leah Hoffman then rallied to deliver the match-clinching 3-6, 6-2, 7-5 victory.\u00a0<\/p>\n
With their backs to the wall after a 40-minute weather stoppage, the duo won the final five games to pull out the clutch win.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was an epic battle,\u201d said Nieman. \u201cAfter dropping the first set 3-6, they bounced back with a 6-2 win in the second set.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the decisive set, they were down 2-5 when rain interrupted play for 10 minutes, followed by a 30-minute weather delay,\u201d she continued. \u201cThe pause only fueled their determination \u2013 they returned to the court and rallied for a 7-5 victory!<\/p>\n
\u201cTheir communication, adjustments and execution were outstanding,\u201d Nieman added. \u201cCoach McClure and I are incredibly proud of the team\u2019s fight, positivity and teamwork. What a start to our home season.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Pirates entertained Western Buckeye League foe Bath on Wednesday while Clyde visits Bluffton on Friday at 5 p.m. The Pirates also host Ottawa Hills Saturday at 10 a.m. to finish a four-match homestand this week.<\/p>\n
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