By Cort Reynolds

BLUFFTON __ The Bluffton High School volleyball team defeated visiting Elmwood in straight sets during a non-league match Thursday evening.

The Pirates swept the Lady Royals 25-13, 25-13, 25-19.

The home win improved the Pirate record to 8-1 this season. Bluffton has won seven straight matches since a four-set loss to Shawnee on August 19.

The Royals fell to 1-6 after the loss.

Ayla Grandey hammered 13 kills to pace the Pirate hitting attack. 

Libby Hocanson drilled seven kills, while Kendall Stackhouse added six kills.

Setter Gracie Yarnell dished up 24 assists and came up with 13 digs. Lainey Grandey hustled up 10 digs and served two aces.

Avery Talavinia mustered 11 digs. Vanessa Cross served a pair of aces. Faith Combs added one block.

Bluffton took the JV bout 2-0, and also won the freshman match 2-0 to sweep all seven sets on the evening.

The Pirates visit Wayne Trace (2-2) on Monday, Sept. 9 in another non-league match.