Second-half surge lifts Rugby girls soccer past Polk Middle

Rugby Middle School used three second-half goals to pull away from Polk County Middle and hand the Wolverines a 5-2 setback Wednesday in Blue Ridge Middle School Conference play in Mills River.

Ava Marino and Mireya Roman scored in the first half to send Polk County (1-2) to halftime tied at 2-2. Rugby scored early in the second half for a 3-2 lead, then added a pair of late goals to clinch the win.

“(We) came out strong and had several early chances on goal,” said Polk Middle head coach George Alley. “Rugby turned up the intensity in the second half and our defense struggled to clear the ball.

“As a team, we are going to work harder in training on man to man defending this week. On a positive note, the girls executed better on attacking corners in the second half.”

Polk County Middle travels Monday to face Apple Valley at 4:30 p.m.