Polk County Middle shook off a first-game stumble Monday, rallying to defeat Flat Rock 2-1 in Blue Ridge Conference volleyball action at Polk Middle.

The Wolverines (4-1) earned a 23-25, 25-14, 15-8 victory against the winless Eagles (0-3), though Flat Rock certainly did not play like a squad still seeking its first victory of the season, pushing the Wolverines throughout a first set that finally went its way.

But Polk Middle raced to a 7-0 lead to open the second set and never looked back, easily winning that set, and then closing the Eagles out quickly in the third.

“At this point, we’ll take a win any way we can get it,” said Polk Middle head coach Matthew Russell. “I think perhaps we underestimated Flat Rock a bit. They were a well-coached team.

“It was good to see the second set. The way we played then is the way I know we can play. Ada Kelley stepped up for us with some big serves. In the third set, Amberlynn Scruggs served the ball really well.”

Polk led 22-19 in the first set after a Scruggs tip hit the top of the net and rolled over, then still led 23-20 before Flat Rock scored the final five points of the set.

Ella Waldman helped serve Polk to its 7-0 lead, then Kelley took over and pushed Polk to a 17-8 advantage. The Wolverines continued to serve well and closed out the set to even the match.

Polk grabbed a 5-2 advantage in the deciding set before Flat Rock took a timeout, but a Brianna Powell ace, then three aces by Scruggs and a Kelley kill helped make it 11-3.

Cameron Ward hammered a kill to make it 13-4, but Flat Rock responded with four straight points before a service error moved Polk Middle to match point. Elysia Smith earned that one, dropping a quick hit onto the Flat Rock side of the court to wrap up the win.

“We’re on a little roll right now after winning back-to-back games,” Russell said “We’ve got a big one next at Brevard. We’re excited for that challenge.”

The Wolverines will travel Wednesday to Brevard to face the East Division leaders at 4:30 p.m.

-Submitted by PolkSports.com