Patriots 1-1 at own invite

The Patriots picked up another win against a conference rival.

Then they lost to a former one.

Jay County High School’s volleyball team went 1-1 to finish second in the Patriot Invitational it hosted Saturday.

The Patriots (8-14) defeated the Bluffton Tigers (25-19, 25-10, 25-22) — their second win against the Tigers in three tries this season — before falling to eventual tournament champion Leo (25-20, 25-20, 25-14).

Madison Dirksen and Alana Kunkler led JCHS with 15 kills apiece on the day, while Kylie Klopfenstein chipped in nine kills. Abbie Fields finished with six kills.

Natalie Miles turned in a team-high 19 digs, while Grace Brewster was second with 15 digs. Lyric Garringer and Brewster each had 12 service points, and Dirksen collected four total blocks. Pacie Denney and Izzy Rodgers had 24 and 17 assists, respectively.

Jay County’s junior varsity team lost to Homestead (25-19, 25-22) and Leo (25-13, 25-15) to place third. Bella Denton totaled eight kills, Madyson Fraley notched 11 digs and Hannah Muhlenkamp tallied four aces.



Boys fall

CONVERSE — Jay County’s boys soccer team fell to the Oak Hill Golden Eagles on Saturday, 6-2.

The loss sends the Patriots (5-8), who surrendered five goals in the first half to Oak Hill, on a three-game losing streak as it opens sectional play against the Blackford Bruins at 7 p.m. tonight at Eastbrook.

Cristian Marentes scored his team-leading 12th goal of the season. Devin Jinez tallied his first career goal as well. Ian Ruiz made four saves.

Jay County’s junior varsity team fell by a 3-0 margin.



Stars rally past Jay

BERNE — The Jay County junior varsity football had a one-point lead heading into the fourth quarter vanish in a 27-15 loss Monday to the South Adams Starfires.

The Patriots (2-5) trailed 14-7 at halftime but scored a touchdown and a 2-point conversion to lead 15-14 in the third quarter. South Adams responded with two touchdowns in the fourth to get the win.

Trey Nichols had a 24-yard rushing touchdown and a caught a 14-yard TD pass from Parker Nichols.

Christian Runkle rushed for the 2-point conversion. Parker Nichols completed four of his 10 passes for 72 yards and a pair of interceptions.

Runkle also recovered a fumble.