BLUFFTON — The Bluffton Pirates secured their third Northwest Conference girls soccer championship in four years with a 2-1 victory over Columbus Grove on Tuesday night.

Bluffton struck first in the opening half when sophomore Willow Derstine finished a one-touch shot to give the Pirates a 1-0 lead. Columbus Grove nearly answered moments later, but Bluffton goalkeeper Kynzie Ewing made a key one-on-one save to preserve the advantage.

Bulldogs senior captain Ruth Meyers later provided the equalizer, blasting in a right-footed strike to level the match at 1-1.

The decisive moment came late, as Bluffton’s Aubrey Burkholder delivered the game-winner to put the Pirates back on top for good.

With the victory, Bluffton improved to 6-0 in NWC play and denied Columbus Grove, ranked 12th in Division V, a share of the conference lead. The Pirates now add another league title to their recent run of dominance.

Tags