Polk beats South Iredell 3-0

After a tough battle for the opportunity just to play in the fourth round of playoffs, Polk County’s Lady Wolverines won a shutout game against the Vikings Saturday, Oct. 27.

Game one started with the Lady Wolverines clearly more organized and solid in their maneuvering from their last match.

Shayln Brown, No. 9, and Makenzie White, No. 5, provided great digs for the team, setting up their teammates for several solid kills. The Vikings were strong and had one outstanding player Polk found difficult to return hits from.

Tied at 5-5, the front row began to dominate the game.

Sarah Phipps, No. 12, Rebecca Mitchell, No. 2 and Katie Ruff, No. 3, all three provided Polk with kills set up by Kara Overholt, No. 1. Polk earned a brilliant point when all four players went up for a block, making the score 11-6. Savannah Deaver, No. 7, spiked one hard over the net, making the score 15-11. With their momentum going, Polk earned ten more points to the Viking’s two, and had an amazing win of 25-13.

However, game two became a nail-biting event from the beginning, as the teams tied 3-3.  From that point on, the teams remained within one point of each other until the final score, 28-26. The very intense game was wearing on all of the players, and when the Vikings hit a ball out with the score of 27-26, there was a sigh of relief for the Wolverines and their fans.

Throughout game two, Sarah Phipps and Maggie Phipps, No. 4, had several successful kills, which, with their powerful hits and sharp aim, Polk never lost their footing in the game. The two teams often volleyed back and forth for some time, when only a technicality or and out would win the point.  The teams were certainly equally matched.

Game three was to seal the deal for Lady Wolverines and send them off to state.  However the Vikings were not going to let go of a chance at a win very easily.

Chelsea Kelly, No. 10, provided excellent serves for Polk throughout the evening, including a few aces. The Wolverines, with every opportunity, went straight to the net to kill. Of course, Polk County was facing a fiery team, which possessed stellar aim. The two teams were equal, which was more evident as the score again remained very close throughout the game, even to the final score of 25-23.

Despite the Vikings being a strong and comparable team, the Polk County Lady Wolverines were able to maintain their momentum after the first win, which ultimately gave them the edge they needed to finish off the match.

The Polk County Wolverines will play North Surrey on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. for the fifth round of playoffs.

 

Recap of third round playoffs
Polk wins tough battle vs. Maiden

The Polk County Lady Wolverines took on an equally hungry Maiden High School Blue Devils in the third round of playoffs. This matchup proved brutal as the Lady Wolverines gave up two and won two before knocking of the Blue Devils in a final 25-17 win in game five.

Kara Overholt, No. 1, started the Lady Wolverines off in game one with consistent serves, helping give Polk a strong nine-point lead. No. 4 Maggie Phipps and No. 3 Katie Ruff, meanwhile, both hammered the Blue Devils with strong kills. However, the Maiden Blue Devils began slowly adding points to the scoreboard.

Both teams struggled throughout the night to contain their enthusiasm, with both loosing points from over-hitting the ball.

Savannah Deaver, No. 7, recognized the team’s need for a turnaround and stepped up to make several opportune blocks and kills. Her effort brought the score to 22-14. Polk County volleyed the Blue Devils multiple rounds, and managed to finish the game, 25-16.

The Maiden Blue Devils were ready to battle come game two. Polk lost their lead after being tied 6-6. The Wolverines looked unorganized and unable to regroup causing them to lose the game 14-25.

In game three, Deaver earned Polk’s first point with a heavy spike down the middle.  Shayln Brown and Makenzie White maintained Polk’s backcourt. Unfortunately, Polk appeared not to be communicating and failed to return to their positions after playing the ball, creating a Blue Devil lead of 12-21.

The Wolverines regrouped, and despite being down, point-by-point, Polk climbed back to a close margin in score, 21-24. With one point away from a win, the Blue Devils hit the ball out. Tying at 24, 25 and then 26, Polk lost the tough match, 26-28.

Despite the two losses, the Wolverines were recharged after the close match in game three and were ready to reorganize their game plan. With their attitudes and spirits lifted, the ladies marched back onto the court, battled the Blue Devils for an amazing 25-17 win.

With the two teams tied, game five would determine who would move forward.  Polk had regained their confidence and were able to win a solid victory against the Blue Devils, 15-9, moving Polk County into the fourth round of playoffs.