By Cort Reynolds

The host Bluffton girls soccer team raced to a 7-0 first half lead and blanked Spencerville 8-0 in the Northwest Conference opener Monday evening.

The defending NWC champion Lady Pirate kickers improved to 2-1 and 1-0 in league action with the win. The Lady Bearcats open 0-1 overall and 0-1 in league play after the loss.

Bluffton's Riley Eachus netted the first goal of the game in the 10th minute on an assist from Olivia Matthews.

Sami Scoles scored in the 11th and 17th minutes on feeds from Eachus and Marley Kindle.

Kindle tallied in the 15th minute on a dish from Karson Hauenstein.

Jasi Crawfis made it 5-0 with a netter in the 31st minute from Ryle Setzer. Allison Diller then scored off a Matthews assist three minutes later.

Kendal Giesige netted the final goal of the first half onslaught on a ball from Jordyn O'Connel.

Reagan Mittendorf scored the only goal of the second half unassisted in the 54th minute to provide the final score.

The stingy Pirate defense held Spencerville without a single shot. Thus, Bluffton goalkeeper Julia Mehaffie did not have to make a single save. The Pirates put 21 shots on goal.

The Bluffton girls visit Van Buren (3-2) Thursday, September 2.