By Cort Reynolds

OTTAWA HILLS __ The Bluffton Pirate volleyball team split a very tough non-league triangular match Saturday, September 14, at Ottawa Hills.

In their first match, the Pirates lost in three sets to undefeated and state-ranked Defiance Tinora. Bluffton won the second game in overtime before dropping the decisive third set.

The 25-18, 25-27, 25-15 defeat snapped the Bluffton win streak at nine matches in a row. 

In their second match of the day, the Pirates rebounded to sweep host OH 25-22, 25-22 and improve their record to 11-2.

Tinora improved to 12-0 with the close win over Bluffton. The Rams were ranked fifth in the most recent Div. VI state poll.

“Tinora is very good and well-disciplined,” said Pirate head coach Kevin King. “It was a good match, a great test for us as we begin the second half of the season.”

Against Tinora, Kendall Stackhouse paced the offense with 10 kills. Ayla Grandey drilled six kills. 

Setter Gracie Yarnell dished up 19 assists. Avery Talavinia led the team with 12 digs and served one ace.

Vanessa Cross came up with 10 digs. Karlie Lora and Faith Combs each contributed two blocks.

In the win over the host Green Bears, Stackhouse knocked down eight kills, and Lora smacked seven. Lora also hustled up 10 digs.

Yarnell again passed out 19 assists, and mustered 10 digs.

Cross and Grandey each served two aces. Grandey and Libby Hocanson each came up with a block.

The Pirates (1-0 NWC) play at league rival Delphos Jefferson (3-8, 0-2 NWC) Tuesday, Sept. 17. They then visit solid non-league foe Carey (7-3) Saturday morning, Sept. 21.