By Cort Reynolds

The Bluffton High School volleyball team rallied after losing the first two sets, but visiting Van Buren won the decisive fifth game to capture their regular season finale battle Thursday evening, October 13.

Their second five-set loss in three days dropped the Bluffton record to 13-9.

VB improved to 17-3 with the 21-25, 22-25, 27-25, 25-23, 15-7 non-conference victory.

Ayla Grandey knocked down 20 kills to pace the Pirates. Kendall Stackhouse contributed a season-high 18 kills.

Gracie Yarnell dished out 18 assists, dug up 23 hits and served three aces.

Morgan Fruchey compiled five kills, 14 digs and two blocks. Lauren Bassett drilled five kills.

Avery Talavinia mustered a season-high 33 digs, while Dyllan Worcester came up with 11 digs.

Olivia Hobensack dished up a season-best 30 assists and served three aces. 

Olivia Siferd compiled two blocks.

The Pirate junior varsity lost to the Black Knight reserves, 2-1. VB also won the freshman match, 2-0. 

The Bluffton spikers will play Van Buren again at VB in a Div. III Kalida sectional first round bout Monday, October 17 at 6 p.m.