Bluffton hosts AE in sectional 1st round

By Cort Reynolds

KALIDA - The visiting Bluffton High school girls soccer team won a defensive 1-0 battle at tough non-conference foe Kalida Saturday, October 5.  

The Pirate record improved to 9-4-1 overall after the win. The PCL-leading Wildcat girls dropped to 11-3 with the shutout loss. 

The game was scoreless at halftime and well into the second half.

Pirate junior Blair Utendorf broke the ice with a goal in the 70th minute off an Aubrey Burkholder assist. The goal turned out to be the game-winner as the Pirate defense posted a shutout.

Bluffton directed eight of its 13 shots on goal. 

Kalida got off just one shot, and it was on goal.

Pirate goalkeeper Kynzie Ewing made one save.  Kalida keeper Nataly Calvelage stopped seven Pirate shots.

Bluffton improved to 5-3-1 on the road after handing Kalida just its second home defeat of the season in eight matches.

The Pirates (4-1 home) continue their rugged post-season preparation slate when they host Liberty Center (6-5-1) Tuesday, Oct. 8. 

The regular season finale at home vs. undefeated Dublin Jerome (9-0-3) is set for Oct. 10.