By Cort Reynolds
PORT CLINTON – Bluffton High School senior tennis player Hannah Nieman competed hard before being eliminated on day one of the Division II district tournament at Port Clinton High School on Wednesday.
Nieman lost her first match in the round of 16 to one of the four number one seeds in the district by a 6-0, 6-1 score.
“Hannah’s run came to an end today at districts, falling in her first match, and what a tough draw it was,” said coach Trisha Nieman. “She faced one of the strongest, most unpredictable players we’ve seen all season in Port Clinton’s Anastasia Hughes.
Port Clinton had a strong presence at districts, and it was their home court. PC senior Hughes had a 33-2 overall record, including 27-2 in singles, prior to Districts. Nieman came into Port Clinton as one of the four number four seeds after finishing fourth in the UNOH sectionals.
“Hannah battled through injuries this year, still managing to play nine matches with a record 6-3,” said coach Nieman. “She did retire from one match. Each one Hannah took on with determination and grit.
“As Coach Don Walters said best, ‘Hannah just ran out of time. She was starting to figure her opponent out as the match went on.’
“Hughes was unorthodox–every serve looked different, every point had a twist,” she explained. “Just when you thought you had her rhythm, she’d switch it up. It kept Hannah on her toes the entire match, and she fought through every moment.”
Hughes then lost in the quarterfinals to Maumee Valley Country Day junior Valentina Buchkova 6-1, 6-1. Buchkova will play Ottawa-Glandorf senior Maggie Schmiedebusch, who won the UNOH sectional singles title, in the semifinals Saturday morning.
“We are incredibly proud of Hannah,” noted Nieman. “Not just for her wins, but for her composure, fight and growth. She played quality tennis all season long, and today was no exception. We thank everyone for their support and wonderful words they have shared about Hannah’s tennis.
“Hannah can absolutely hold her head high. She represented Bluffton tennis with toughness, class and heart,” the coach added.
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