By Cort Reynolds

OTTOVILLE__The visiting Bluffton High School volleyball team lost a four-set match at Ottoville in their season opener Tuesday.

The match was tied at one set apiece after the Pirates took set two, but the hosts pulled away to win the final two close games.

The Big Green captured the close match 25-20, 14-25, 25-20 and 25-22.

Karlie Lora and Camryn Fruchey each slammed 11 kills to pace the Pirates.

Taylin Goldman knocked down nine kills. Lainey Grandey contributed seven kills to the balanced Bluffton attack.

The versatile Fruchey passed out 20 assists, mustered 12 digs and made one block. Adelyn Althaus doled out 18 helpers.

Ari Goings hustled up a team-high 22 digs. Lora came up with 14 digs. Gracie Warren made a dozen digs.

Kari Diller fired three aces. Goldman, Warren and Goings served one ace apiece.

The multi-faceted Lora contributed a pair of blocks.

The Pirates are coached by Kevin King.

The Bluffton junior varsity also lost, 2-0.

Bluffton (0-1) hosts Kalida in the home opener on Thursday evening, August 20.