On Wednesday, May 18, the Polk County Wolverines played host to the Shelby Golden Lions in the third round of the state 2A playoffs. The game went back and forth, with the Wolverines inches away from advancing to the next round.

There was a lot of nervous tension in the air as the game began, but once the ball got rolling the Wolverines played as if it was just another game. Polk’s early momentum hit a snag as defender Natalie Hilbig injured her leg with 23:57 remaining in the first half and sat out the rest of the game.

Despite this setback, the Polk offense stepped up and struck the first blow as Brittany Phipps scored 50 seconds after Hilbig went down, giving Polk a 1-0 lead. Polk’s offense continued to keep up the pressure as several shots went just wide.

Shelby was able to get back in the game with a shot from outside the box with 7:57 remaining in the half and the game went into the second half tied 1-1.

At the start of the second half, the Golden Lions came out with a renewed offensive intensity and forced Polk’s keeper Donna Every to make several saves to keep the game tied at 1-1.

As the result of a foul called inside Polk’s penalty area, Shelby was awarded a free kick. The Golden Lion’s striker didn’t miss and this proved to be the deciding goal in the game.

Polk had many chances to equalize the score, including two shots that were mere inches off as they both hit the post, but the game ended with the score 2-1 in favor of the Golden Lions.