Patriots sweep struggling Raiders

PONETO — The Patriots aced their way to another conference win.

Jay County High School’s volleyball team totaled 23 aces in beating the struggling Southern Wells Raiders on Tuesday, 25-7, 25-9, 25-9.

The Patriots (14-5, 3-2 Allen County Athletic Conference) got a team-high eight aces from Sara Hemmelgarn, who also shared the team lead of four kills with Hallie Fields and Natalie Miles. Fields was second with seven aces while also adding eight digs and a pair of blocks. Pacie Denney recorded five digs and 14 assists. Miles also finished with nine digs and two aces.

Southern Wells fell to 0-18 (0-5 ACAC).

Jay County’s junior varsity team also won 25-17, 25-16.

Madison Brunswick led the team with five kills, as Abbie Fields and Lilly Hedges had four kills each. Fields also had 12 digs, and Izzy Rodgers collected eight assists.



Bilbrey leads Jay

HARTFORD CITY — Gabi Bilbrey had a goal and an assist Tuesday in leading the Jay County girls soccer team to a 2-0 victory against the host Blackford Bruins.

The Patriots, who travel to Muncie Central on Thursday for the regular season finale, improved to 8-4.

Bilbrey netted her team-leading 13th goal of the season in just the second minute on a corner kick from Anhely Montes.

Then nearing the 29th minute, Bilbrey assisted on Payton McCoy’s fifth goal of the season and Jay County’s 2-0 halftime lead stood for the final 40 minutes.

Tricia Ison only made one save in goal for the Patriots.



Jay boys win

MUNCIE — Brayden Sprunger provided the only offense of the game as the Jay County boys soccer team beat the Muncie Central Bearcats on Tuesday, 1-0.

Sprunger found the back of the net for his third goal of the season on a Cameron Henry assist. 

Sophomore goalkeeper Ian Ruiz turned away all six shots he faced to record the fifth shutout of the year.

Jay County’s junior varsity team also won, 29.

Carter Link and Habet Mikayelyan scored for the Patriots.