By Cort Reynolds
NEW KNOXVILLE - The Bluffton volleyball team lost to Marion Local in straight sets in Div. IV sectional final play Thursday night at New Knoxville.

Fifth seed Bluffton ended its season 12-12 after the 25-16, 25-14, 25-21 loss to the Flyers.

Third-seeded ML improved its record to 12-10 with the win, and advanced to the district semifinals. All four teams left are from the Midwest Athletic Conference.

Sophomore Kylie Stackhouse led the Lady Pirate offense with nine kills. Junior Taylor Schwab compiled seven kills and seven digs.

Sophomore setter Skyler Scoles passed out 15 assists. Sophomore Cara Young hustled up seven digs, and classmate Sophie Bricker added one ace.

ML will face second-seeded MAC rival New Knoxville in the district semis at Bluffton University Monday night, October 21. NK swept Hardin Northern in its sectional final match.

New Bremen is the top seed in the sectional. The Cardinals swept Kalida Thursday and will take on fourth-seeded MAC foe Minster in the other district semifinal Oct. 21.

The district finals are set for Thursday, Oct. 24 at 6 p.m.