By Cort Reynolds

COLUMBUS GROVE __ The visiting Bluffton High School girls soccer team lost its likely Northwest Conference championship showdown match at unbeaten rival Columbus Grove 2-1 Monday evening, September 30.

The host Bulldog girls scored two second half goals to overcome a halftime deficit and narrowly win.

The Pirate record fell to 8-3-1 overall after the difficult defeat, and they finished 5-1 in NWC play. The loss snapped a four-match win streak. It was also their first loss in 18 league matches dating back to 2021 vs. Grove.

The Bulldog girls improved to 11-0-2 overall and 4-0 in the NWC with the big win. They can clinch the league title with a victory or tie in their league match at Crestview (2-11, 1-4 NWC) Monday, Oct. 7. 

An unlikely loss to the sixth-place Knights would drop the Bulldogs into a tie with Bluffton.

Bluffton led 1-0 at halftime, but lost on a goal in the final five minutes.

Pirate Mya McDougle scored the first goal on an assist from Aubrey Burkholder three minutes before halftime.

Grove tied it up on a Ruth Meyers goal in the 58th minute. Lauryn Auchmuty then tallied the tie-breaking goal in the 76th minute to put Grove ahead, 2-1.

Bluffton directed seven of its nine shots on goal in the defensive battle. 

The Pirate defense allowed just six shots, five of which were on goal.

Pirate goalkeeper Kynzie Ewing made three saves. Erianne Heffner was credited with six stops in goal for the Bulldogs.

The Bluffton girls have won three of the last four NWC titles, including the past two crowns. Grove won the 2021 title at 6-0 as the Pirates (5-1) finished second after a loss to CG. The Pirates had gone 16-0-1 over their last 17 NWC matches since then.

The Pirates (5-1-0 NWC) still technically lead undefeated CG (4-0-0) in the current league standings on points, 15-12.

Bluffton visits Olentangy for a non-league bout Thursday, October 3.