Before Wednesday evening’s soccer match against visiting Lincolnton in round one of the state playoffs, Polk County coach Lennox Charles told his players, ‘This is going to be a competitive game.’

The Wolverines were able to escape with a 3-2 win, due in part to talent, but also due to their matching the Wolves’ early intensity in the second half.

In round two, the Wolverines will play R-S Central on Saturday, May 14 at 6 p.m. at R-S Central.

On Wednesday, Lincolnton had taken a 1-0 lead on Monsteratt Torres’s goal on a deflection, with 18:39 remaining in the first half. Less than two minutes later, Polk’s Jessica Bentley answered with a goal to tie the contest.

With some 14 minutes left in the first half, an apparent goal by Baylee Love on a throw-in, seemed to put Polk ahead, 2-1, but officials called it back on a penalty, saying that a Wolverine player pushed an opponent. Charles explained later that the player had put up her arm to apparently avoid contact with a Lincolnton player, prompting the call.

“It was probably the best throw-in we executed in two weeks,” Charles lamented after the match.

However, Polk did get the go-ahead goal, by Reese Alley, with some two and one-half minutes left in the first half.

Charles was pleased to note that his players matched Lincolnton’s early intensity in the second half.

He was also cheered to be on the winning side of the final score.

“It’s always a relief to get through the first round.” However, he added, “I didn’t feel that we were mentally prepared for the game.”

Regardless of preparation, Charles noted, “When you get to this time of year, you have to get it done.’

The Wolverines got it done.

In the second half, when a Lincolnton player caused Polk’s Ashley Love to trip, Polk was awarded a penalty kick. Senior Caroline Lee, who will play soccer for Northeast Louisiana University, booted the ball past the Wolves’ goaltender, giving Polk a 3-1 lead.

With just under 12 minutes remaining in the second half, Lincolnton scored on a penalty kick. The Wolves would come up short, as Polk was able to control the ball as the clock ticked down.