By RYAN WALKER

Bluffton’s volleyball team breezed through a Wells County and conference rival Southern Wells team Thursday night at the Tiger Den.

Bluffton’s Konley Ault goes for a kill on while three Southern Wells defenders Aly Green (left) Maddy Scott (middle) and Kila Shelley (right) awaiting the strike. The Tigers defeated the county rival and ACAC opponent in three sets. (Photo by Ryan Walker)

The Tigers are now 4-11 on the season (1-3 ACAC) with the win over the Raiders (0-10, 0-2 ACAC). 

Head coach Stacy Morrison was pleased with her team’s effort, which didn’t allow more than 12 points in any set. 

“I think they played very well,” Morrison said after the game. “Our goal was to have fun out there and to just go all out, and I think they did what I asked. They played hard, they didn’t let out, and they had fun out there.”

The win was the first in conference play after three straight losses, but Morrison said that getting a victory in conference play and against the county school meant double.

On the other side, Southern Wells has now lost all 10 of its games this season.

The scores for the match with Bluffton were 25-12, 25-9, and 25-9.

“We didn’t come to play tonight. That’s it,” head coach Whitney Powell. “There’s not much to talk about after that match.”

Despite their record, Powell has seen a lot of growth in her team throughout the season. This Raiders squad lacks experience, as there are more underclassmen than upperclassmen on the varsity roster. 

The team is rebuilding and learning a new system, as Powell, at her previous stops, had winning seasons and success at Cowan and Delta and was a high-level player in high school and in college.

“We’ve grown in a lot of places,” Powell said. “Our defense is better. Our serving is much better. We just aren’t putting it all together yet.”

Bluffton will be at the Canterbury Invitational at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16.

Southern Wells will host Canterbury at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 19.

sports@news-banner.com