Bluffton’s Kendall Stackhouse spikes against Elida’s Abby Daugherty during Tuesday’s match at Elida High School.
Richard Parrish | The Lima News
ELIDA – It took a little while for Bluffton to find its rhythm in Tuesday’s non-league volleyball match against Elida.
However, once Bluffton got into sync, it took just three sets for the Pirates to dispose of Elida – 25-15, 25-11, 25-15.
In the first set, the score was tied four times before Bluffton managed to pull away.
“I’ll be honest with you – we just had two days of school, and I feel that we could sense this,” Bluffton coach Kevin King said about the slow start. “We’re tired. It’s a new schedule and they’re not used to it. It did take a little bit to warm up. But we did and then we took care of business.”
Ayla Grandey led Bluffton (5-1) with 11 kills. Teammate Kendall Stackhouse added eight kills.
“Stackhouse and Grandey – those two are veteran players,” King said. “They’re going to put the ball away whenever they can. Our middles have been a little bit banged up. So, we can rely on those girls. … It’s been great.”
After the slow start in the first set, Bluffton took control of the match.
The Pirates’ strong play around the net, good play in the middle and solid serving proved to be too much for Elida to overcome.
“We have a team that seems to be pretty complete right now,” King said. “It’s exciting and fun. We can distribute the ball across the net. I do think we serve the ball pretty tough. That gives teams fits and keeps them out of their offense. Everyone is ready to play. So, every night you must come and be ready to play.”
Gracie Yarnell dished out 18 assists and served up two aces for the Pirates. Vanessa Cross had nine digs, while teammate Avery Talavinia had eight digs.
For Elida (0-6), Addy Sneary led the way with six kills and two aces. Teammate Kayla Hunter knocked down four kills. Delaney Miller recorded 24 digs for the Bulldogs.
King feels like his team’s experience will be the key for this season.
“We have a veteran group. I think this is the year that we can use some of that leadership. Grandey has been playing for four years. Gracie Yarnell, our setter, is also a senior. Our libero (Talavinia) is a senior. So, we have some leadership. Those are our captains as well,” he said.
Bluffton 25-15, 25-11, 25-15
Kills: Bluffton – Ayla Grandey 16; Elida – Addy Sneary 6
Digs: Bluffton – Vanessa Cross 9; Elida – Delaney Miller 24
Aces: Bluffton – Karlie Lora 3; Elida – Addy Sneary 2
Records: Bluffton 5-1; Elida 0-6
