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By Jed Blackwell

 

Polk County celebrated coach Molly Hill’s 200th career victory before Wednesday’s game against A.C. Reynolds.

The Wolverines got started on the next hundred in short order.

Polk County survived an early push in all three games from the Rockets, turning the tide once the score reached 10 in each one, and cruising to a 3-0 (25-13, 25-13, 25-16) win.

“We kind of started slow each game,” Hill said. “Once we found our groove and got comfortable, we started scoring points and got out to a lead. It was nice.”

Polk County got big contributions from a pair of leaders on Wednesday. Morgan Yoder and Mia Bradley each took over at times in the match, particularly when things got tight. In game one, Yoder scored direct points three times down the stretch, including back-to-back aces to end it. It was more of the same in game two, with Yoder setting the pace early, Bradley contributing a key ace, and a crosscourt kill from Akeela Cunningham.

The third game quickly became the Bradley show. With the Wolverines locked in a fight, she hit a kill for a 10-10 tie. The next three points were two kills and a tip, all by Bradley, as Kylie Lewis’ serve rached six straight points to largely put the match away.

“I’ve been really proud of Morgan and Mia since Sophia (Overholt) got hurt,” Hill said. “They have a lot of pressure on them, and they both stepped up tremendously. They’re helping carry this team, and it’s been really fun to watch that happen. Kylie, too. She’s really stepping up. It’s been really nice to see them step up and help keep our confidence.”

With Overholt lost to injury, Hill said everyone was stepping up. She likes what she sees from Cunningham, who’s different in what she brings to the game, but also very effective.

“Akeela’s another one, and it’s like ‘ok, here’s your shot’,” Hill said. “She stepped up when we needed her, and she’s been consistent. That’s what you need at a time like this, when you’re down a player, and kind of down in spirit. She stepped in and she’s like a little shining light on the court. She’s fun, she’s energetic, she’s loud, and the girls respond well to that.”

Bradley led the Wolverines with 12 kills in the match, while Yoder had nine and added two block assists. Charley Dusenbury had 27 assists