PLAIN CITY — Wheelersburg's Courtney Pierron competed in the Division II Girls State Tennis Tournament Friday morning at the Elysium Tennis Center in Plain City, falling 6-3, 6-1 in the first round.

Pierron joined 80 other competitors, including Division I, in the event, which was moved from the Stickney Tennis Center at Ohio State University to the indoor Elysium facility in Plain City, roughly 20 miles from Columbus.

Pierron was making her first appearance at state and said that nerves were a factor in her loss against Oak Harbor's Ashley LaFountain.

"I was really nervous at the beginning and then I started getting into my groove a little bit but my serve wasn't really on. It was alright," Pierron said.

Pierron started off the match serving but fell behind 3-0 in the first set.

"She had a rough time winning her serve," Wheelersburg coach Tom Carter said. "I think she only won it twice but normally the serve is a good weapon for her."

Despite the loss, Pierron played well at times. Also, Pierron is just a junior and will have another crack at the state tournament next season.

"My forehand was pretty decent but I was going for shots too big and it just wasn't working out," she said. "It's pretty big (to gain experience at state as a junior). Next year I'll hopefully come back up here and kick more butt and play a little bit better."

Pierron was the only Scioto County representative to reach state. The state appearance capped off a solid year for Lady Pirate tennis as the team also won the SOC title.

Carter was glad Pierron had the opportunity to play at state as a junior and is excited about next season.

"She felt bad on account of losing but she already won more games than anyone else I've had up here," Carter said. "She'll be OK. She'll be back next year I think for sure barring injury. She should be back."

JOHN STEGEMAN can be reached at jstegeman02@hotmail.com