By Cort Reynolds

COLUMBUS GROVE - The visiting Bluffton High School volleyball team swept Northwest Conference rival Columbus Grove on October 8 to finish in sole possession of second place in the final league standings.

The Pirates improved to 18-3 overall and finished 6-1 in the NWC after the convincing 25-21, 25-17, 25-19 victory. The Bluffton spikers won for the 17th time in 19 matches. 

Grove dropped to 8-12 overall and finished 4-3 in NWC play with the defeat to finish fourth in the eight-team league.

Crestview won its fourth consecutive NWC title at 7-0. The Knights are 17-4 overall. Bluffton’s lone league loss came Sept. 24 at Crestview 3-2 in a match that decided the league title.

Karlie Lora led the Pirates with 10 kills. She also contributed seven digs, five aces and two blocks.

Ayla Grandey and Libby Hocanson each knocked down six kills. Hocanson authored three blocks.

Setter Gracie Yarnell passed out 23 assists. She served a team-high eight aces and added seven digs.

Faith Combs came up with three blocks.

Vanessa Cross dealt three aces. Avery Talavinia mustered 10 digs.

The Pirate reserves rallied to win the JV match 24-26, 25-20, 25-20.   

The Pirates entertain Van Buren (15-5) Thursday, Oct. 10 in the regular season finale on Senior Night.

Grandey, Combs, Talavinia, Yarnell and Kally Cotter will be recognized before the match.