By Cort Reynolds

CONVOY – The visiting Bluffton High School volleyball team lost a five-set marathon to Northwest Conference rival Crestview in a key showdown of league unbeatens Tuesday night.

The Pirates won the second and third sets and went into extra time in the fourth game, but could not close the Knights out on the road. 

The Pirates dropped to 13-3 overall and 2-1 in NWC action with the tight 25-18, 26-28, 23-25, 26-24, 15-9 defeat.

Bluffton has won 12 of its last 14 matches. The Pirates are tied with Columbus Grove at 2-1 in league play.

First-place Crestview improved to 12-2 overall and 5-0 in the NWC after the win.  

Ayla Grandey led the Pirates with a season-high 23 kills. She also dealt four aces.

Kendall Stackhouse drilled eight kills. Karlie Lora and Libby Hocanson each knocked down seven kills. Lora came up with five blocks, and Hocanson contributed three blocks.

Setter Gracie Yarnell dished out 41 assists and came up with 21 digs. 

Libero Avery Talavinia mustered a team-high 22 digs. Lainey Grandey added a pair of blocks.

The Pirates won the JV match, 2-1. 

The Pirate spikers host LCC (1-10, 0-2 NWC) in another league bout Thursday, Sept. 26.