By Cort Reynolds
BLUFFTON - The homestanding Bluffton boys soccer team whipped Jonathan Alder 6-1 Saturday evening at Steinmetz Field.
The Pirates improved to 4-0 with the lopsided win. Defending state runner-up Bluffton was ranked first in the first regional Northwest Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association Div. III poll released this week.
Bluffton junior Jude Spallinger and senior Jonathan Schriner each scored two first-half goals to pace the Pirates to victory. Spallinger also doled out three assists, while Schriner dished out two assists.
Spallinger opened the scoring in the fourth minute, followed by Schriner's first goal 12 minutes later. Schriner tallied again in the 28th minute to make it 3-0.
Senior Asher Antrim netted a goal in the 35th minute for a 4-0 bulge. Spallinger extended the lead to 5-0 with a goal in the final minute before halftime.
Jonathan Alder's lone goal was netted by Matthew Schertzer on a pass from Camden Herring just over five minutes into the second half. The goal cut the deficit to 5-1.
Junior Kaden Basil added the sixth and final Pirate goal in the 76th minute.
Bluffton put 12 of its 20 shots on goal. Jonathan Alder took nine shots, three of which were on goal.
Pirate senior keeper Nic Essinger made two saves, while JA goalie Eli Thorpe was credited with six saves.
Maumee Valley Country Day was ranked second behind Bluffton in the NOSSCA poll. Riverdale was rated fourth and Cory-Rawson ninth among other local Div. III schools.
Bluffton plays at tough Perrysburg (1-3-1) Thursday, September 10. Perrysburg was ranked sixth in the NOSSCA Div. I poll.
