MASON — The girls state tennis tournament opened Friday at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, featuring three West Central Ohio athletes across Division II singles and doubles play.

Ottawa-Glandorf senior Maggie Schmiedebusch faced a tough opening-round draw against Indian Hill’s Sophia Thompson, last year’s fourth-place state finisher. Schmiedebusch showcased her trademark precision with a cross-court backhand and powerful forehand winners, but ultimately fell 6-0, 6-0 to close out a standout season.

In doubles, Lima Central Catholic’s sister duo Alexa and Alana Heffner also battled defending state champions from Gates Mills Gilmour Academy. The Heffners dropped the opening set but rallied in the second, highlighted by Alexa’s backhand winner down the line and soft touch at the net. Despite their efforts, LCC fell 6-0, 6-2 in the opening round.

Both Schmiedebusch and the Heffners capped impressive seasons with appearances on the state stage against some of Ohio’s best competition.

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