Fifth-ranked Polk blanks Avery in girls soccer

Polk County built a 2-0 halftime lead Monday and cruised to a 3-0 win over Avery in Western Highlands Conference girls soccer action in Newland.

The Wolverines, ranked fifth in this week’s state 2A soccer coaches poll, improved to 6-0 overall, 4-0 in WHC play. Polk County has a pair of tough non-conference games ahead this week, traveling to A.C. Reynolds on Tuesday and T.C. Roberson on Thursday. Reynolds, 7-2, is ranked fourth in this week’s state 3A poll.

Ashley Love scored on an assist by Miriam Santibanez and Sarah Phipps scored on a pass from Caroline Lee to give the Wolverines their 2-0 lead. With an assist from Love, Sammie Firby scored in the second half to back the goalkeeping of Kara Overholt, who recorded several saves in keeping Avery (4-5, 2-3) off the scoreboard.