Maybe it was the long gap between games, but after Polk County’s women’s basketball team led Avery County, 23-20, at home on Wednesday night, the Vikings pulled away to a 53-39 win.

The 5-5 Wolverines last won on Dec. 11 against East Henderson. Sarah Phipps led Polk with 13 points, also grabbing 15 rebounds and five steals.

In a game marked by numerous turnovers, the Vikings recorded more thefts than did Polk.

“That was the first time we played in 18 days, so I think we got tired,” said Polk coach Craig Culbreth.

The Wolverines did well to hang with their visitors for two quarters Avery County is now 11-3 on the season.

Polk led 5-4 early, before Lyric Flood gave the hosts two points on a breakaway layup. With less than a minute left in the first half, Phipps added two points to put the Wolverines up, 21-20.

Polk scored first in the third quarter, to lead 25-20, but from there, Avery pulled ahead, taking advantage of Wolverine turnovers, to lead 40-32, after three.

After Phipps sank a bucket to cut Avery’s lead to 45-39, the Vikings completed the scoring, with Polk recording just 16 points in the second half.

Hayley Kropp added seven points for Polk.

Next Tuesday, Jan. 14 the Wolverines visit Owen.

They travel to N. Henderson on Jan. 15, returning home on the Jan. 17 to face Hendersonville.