By Cort Reynolds
ELIDA - The visiting Bluffton boys soccer team crushed Elida 8-2 Thursday evening.
The Pirates improved to 2-0 with the convincing victory.
Bluffton's Simon Derstine started the scoring in the ninth minute. Aiden Bartels of Elida tied it 1-1 with a goal three minutes later.
Jude Spallinger put the Pirates back on top in the 24th minute, yet Bartels equalized the match again a minute later at 2-2.
Spallinger put Bluffton ahead for good 3-2 with a goal in the 35th minute.
Kaden Basil helped extend the Pirate lead to 6-2 with two goals five and 10 minutes into the second half. Tayton Kleman scored three second half goals - in the 49th, 58th and 65th minutes - as the Pirates outscored Elida 5-0 after intermission to win going away.
Bluffton's Jonathan Schriner doled out three assists to help facilitate the offense. Thad Mittendorf, Joshua Mehaffie, Eden Nygaard and Basil each passed out an assist as well.
Elida's Jackson Davis dished out one assist.
Bluffton fired 10 of its 16 shots on goal. Elida got off eight shots, six of which were on goal.
Pirate keeper Nic Essinger made four saves in goal. Elida's Scott Holmgren was credited with two saves.
Bluffton hosts Spencerville to begin its run for a sixth straight NWC title Monday, August 31 at 6:55 p.m. in Steinmetz Field.
