Pirate volleyball loses to Knights in 1st place NWC showdown

By Cort Reynolds

The Bluffton High School volleyball team had its 11-match win streak snapped by visiting Crestview in a Northwest Conference battle of league unbeatens Tuesday evening.

The Pirates lost 25-14, 25-23, 25-15 to drop to 13-3 overall and 3-1 in the NWC.

First-place Crestview improved to 13-1 overall and 5-0 in NWC play with the road sweep.

Junior Ayla Grandey led the Pirates with 11 kills.

Freshman Karlie Lora and Kendall Stackhouse each contributed six kills.

Versatile setter Gracie Yarnell doled out 23 assists, came up with seven digs and made three blocks. 

Morgan Fruchey came up with seven digs and two blocks.

Libero Avery Talavinia hustled up 10 digs. Olivia Hobensack dealt a pair of aces.

The Bluffton reserves beat the Knights 2-0.

The difficult league schedule this week continues as the Pirates visit Leipsic (10-2, 3-1 NWC) Thursday.