Polk Middle returns to winning ways with 4-0 triumph

Polk County Middle got exactly the performance it needed Thursday.

The Wolverines snapped a three-game losing streak with a convincing 4-0 victory over Asheville Christian Academy at Utz Field.

Four different Wolverines – Zaelea Eller, Jamilett Ramirez, Hayden Blackwell and Mya Freeman – scored goals as Polk Middle improved to 3-5 with the win.

“This was a good win we needed to build our confidence,” said Polk Middle head coach Travis Aldred. “It’s a really meaningful win for our confidence.

“We’re still struggling to win games, but we’re competing. We seem to play at the level of the teams we’re playing against. We played Rugby on Monday, and they’re tied for first, and we lost 3-0. I was extremely happed with the way we played.”

Polk Middle took a 1-0 lead midway through the first half as Mariana Claros assisted the Ramirez goal. Blackwell followed shortly with her goal before Freeman tallied from outside the penalty area to give Polk a 3-0 lead at the half.

Eller’s goal came early in the second half as she collected a loose ball high in the penalty area and drove it into the back of the net.

The Wolverine defense and goalkeeper Maggie McCammon made certain that lead would stand.

Polk Middle is back in action on Monday, hosting Apple Valley in an important Blue Ridge Conference game.

“We’ve got a big game Monday,” Aldred said. “It’s a chance to stay alive as far as making the playoffs , so we’re looking for a win.”