By Mark Schmerling

Look out Western Highlands Conference soccer title hopefuls: Polk County’s women’s team outscored its two most recent rivals by a combined 17-1, after blanking Mitchell 8-0 on Thursday, April 7 and dropping Mountain Heritage 9-1 on April 6.

Against Mitchell, in Columbus, Polk’s varsity got two goals from Baylee Love, and one each from Reece Alley, Caroline Lee, Ashley Love, Addie Lynch, Bella Marino and Leah Stockdale. Ashley Love added three assists.

In their sixth consecutive win, the Wolverines scored four goals in each half.

At Burnsville On April 6, Polk got two goals each from Kendall Hall, Lee and Ashley Love, plus a goal apiece from Baylee Love, Lynch and Logan Morlino.

The Wolverines established control early, outscoring the Cougars 4-1 in the first half, then blanked them 5-0 in the second.

Polk carries a 9-3 overall mark and is 6-1 in the WHC, heading into this week’s spring break. In the WHC, only Hendersonville (12-0-1 overall and 6-0 in the conference) ranks higher.

Varsity competition resumes April 20, when the Wolverines host Owen. Match time is 7 p.m.