By Cort Reynolds

VAN BUREN--The Bluffton High School volleyball team won the first game but ended up falling in four sets on the road to Van Buren in a Div. III Kalida sectional first round match Monday evening, October 17.

The 20-25, 25-14, 25-11, 25-20 defeat ended the Bluffton season with a record of 13-10.

Homestanding VB improved to 18-3 with the tournament victory.

It was the second time in five days that the two teams faced off, with the Black Knights also winning their five-set battle Oct. 13.

Ayla Grandey hammered 14 kills to lead the Pirate attack in their season finale. Kendall Stackhouse contributed nine kills.

Gracie Yarnell knocked down five kills, passed out 13 assists, made eight digs and served three aces.

Avery Talavinia came up with 25 digs and a served five aces. Dyllan Worcester dug up seven hits, while Olivia Hobensack dished out 15 assists. 

Morgan Fruchey mustered a dozen digs and came up with three blocks. 

Olivia Siferd and Kaylee Kinsinger added two blocks apiece.

VB advances to the sectional finals against fourth seed Ottawa-Glandorf (11-9) Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m.

The VB/O-G victor will move on to the district semifinals at Kalida Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. If form holds, that winner would meet top seed Coldwater in the district semis.