By Cort Reynolds

The visiting Bluffton High School girls soccer team shut out non-conference rival Riverdale 1-0 late Saturday afternoon, September 9.

The victory avenged two tough losses to the Falcons last season, including an overtime defeat in a heartbreaking district final.

The Pirate girls improved to 4-2-1 with the win. Riverdale dropped to 3-2-2 after the defeat.

The game was scoreless the first half and throughout much of the second half. 

With 13:10 remaining to play Pirate Lily Dagani floated a high shot from about 25 yards out over Falcon keeper Angelina Sierra. She barely got a hand on it, but was unable to keep the ball out of the net.

Sophomore Aubrey Burkholder earned the assist on the game’s lone goal. 

Bluffton put four of its six shots on goal, while Riverdale directed five of its eight shots on goal. 

Pirate keeper Kynzie Ewing made five saves in goal, while Sierra was credited with two stops.

Bluffton also swamped Cardinal Stritch 9-0 Thursday night.

The Pirates (2-0 NWC) play at league foe Delphos Jefferson (2-4, 1-2 NWC) Tuesday, Sept. 12.