The visiting Bluffton volleyball team led early and held off a rally to defeat Defiance Ayersville in a tough five-set non-league match Thursday night, September 2.

The Pirate girls improved to 3-2 after the 25-15, 25-19, 22-25, 19-25, 15-6 victory. Meanwhile, Ayersville fell to 2-3 with the close defeat.

Senior middle hitter Kylie Stackhouse led the Pirates with 23 kills and five blocks. Freshman middle Ayla Grandey contributed 10 kills. Senior outside hitter Haelynn Bischoff and Skyler Scoles each knocked down six kills.

Bluffton setter Scoles also passed out 39 assists. Senior Kylie Monday came up with 21 digs and served four aces. Junior defensive specialist Dyllan Worcester mustered 17 digs, while senior libero Sophie Bricker added 11 digs. 

Pirate sophomore Olivia Siferd added a pair of blocks.

Ayersille won the JV match, 2-0.

The Pirates play at BVC foe Arlington (0-3) Tuesday, September 7. Bluffton then hosts local rival Cory-Rawson (1-3) Sept. 9 in another non-league clash.