By Cort Reynolds
LIMA - The Bluffton volleyball team ended a busy week by finishing third at the eight-team OIO Tournament Saturday at Bath.

The Lady Pirates went 2-1 at the event – and 5-2 this week – to up their solid season record to 9-4.

In the OIO tourney first round, Bluffton beat Northwood 25-22, 25-7. Sophomore standout Kylie Stackhouse led the offense with nine kills and two aces, plus she added seven blocks.

Junior Taylor Schwab contributed six kills, six aces and three blocks. Soph setter Skyler Scoles passed out 17 assists while classmate Kylie Monday added a pair of aces.

In the semifinals, Bryan rallied to knock off the Pirates 19-25, 28-26, 25-12. After winning the second set in overtime, Bryan was able to take set three over a tired and slightly demoralized Pirate sqaud.

Stackhouse knocked down a dozen kills with three aces, while senior Libby Schaadt added nine kills and two blocks. Scoles dished out 26 assists. Monday dug up 14 balls and added a pair of blocks, while Schwab added 11 digs.

In the third-place match, Bluffton rebounded to beat Bath 16-25, 25-22, 25-11.

The Pirate girls (2-0 NWC) host always-tough Crestview (6-1, 2-0) Tuesday, September 17 in a key early-season match between league co-leaders.