Polk County took on Brevard High School’s Blue Devils in the second round of state volleyball playoffs Oct. 23. With excitement in the air, the Lady Wolverines immediately took the lead in the first game.

However, Brevard was active, keeping the ball in play and making Polk County earn most every point. The Blue Devils were not only returning the ball, but were finding holes that Polk did not have covered.

Katie Ruff, No. 3 for the Wolverines, made some clever moves to outplay Brevard, and Polk maintained the lead at 21-13. Despite two errors on Polk’s side, the Lady Wolverines finished the Blue Devils off 25-17.

Polk County confidently fired into game No. 2 as Ruff nailed one over the net. However, the Lady Wolverines continued to leave open spots, costing them several points. Polk County did defend the front net closely, making it hard for the Blue Devils to get into the barren spots.

Rebecca Mitchell, No. 2, displayed impeccable aim when she killed one to Brevard.  After the game was tied 6-6, Polk County lost the lead and several more points.  No. 1 Kara Overholt gave the team an amazing save to help as the Lady Wolverines found themselves battling to catch up.

Then, No. 7 Savannah Deaver stepped in, changing Polk County’s momentum, and spiked one over, completely unreturned by Brevard. Deaver and Ruff both totaled 10 kills for the game. Although the game remained close, Mitchell made an amazing block and Sarah Phipps, No. 12, aced a serve, helping Polk again take the lead.

Shayln Brown, No. 9, helped Polk County stay right ahead of Brevard with steady serves that ultimately resulted in Polk scores. Ruff and Mitchell, meanwhile, continued to maintain a strong defense on Polk’s court, and after a few solid plays by Polk County, the ladies finished off the match 25-22.

With two wins under the belts, Maggie Phipps, No. 4, started the game with a kill shot, exciting the crowd. Brown dove deep to dig for the ball, helping Polk find their game.  She recorded nine digs for the evening. Another close game began, tied at 9-9. Ruff killed a great shot, served an ace and yet, Polk still found themselves in a close battle, tied 18-18.

Polk maintained control of the ball through defense. To finish off the game, the Wolverines killed three shots and served an ace, which wrapped things up with a 25-20 win.

The Lady Wolverines face Maiden High School Thursday, Oct. 25 for the district volleyball championship. The game will be played at home beginning at 6 p.m. No passes are allowed as this is a state volleyball match.