Wolverine softball, soccer squads set for Saturday playoff road trips

The road to a state championship now moves to the road for Polk County’s softball and girls soccer teams.

Both Wolverine squads will be in action Saturday in second-round state 2A playoff action. The Polk softball squad travels to East Rutherford for an 11 a.m. game while the Wolverine soccer team visits Shelby in a 6:30 p.m. matchup.

The softball game will feature two teams on lengthy winning streaks. The Wolverines (20-4) have won 10 straight games, outscoring opponents 83-11 in that span, while East Rutherford (21-2) has won 19 straight games.

The Cavaliers are led by sophomore pitcher Savannah Davis, who has a no-hitter to her credit this season and was a key part of East Rutherford’s run last season to the third round of the state playoffs. Davis has also played a big role offensively of late, including two hits and a stolen base in Monday’s 11-1 win over Bunker Hill.

East Rutherford will also rely on senior shortstop Raven Gray, who entered the postseason hitting .492 with 25 stolen bases. Gray hit over .500 last season and stole a school-record 45 bases.

The Wolverine soccer squad defeated Shelby 3-1 earlier this season, a match in which Sammie Firby scored two goals. Polk County hopes to have Firby back on Saturday from an ankle injury, though her status won’t be certain until game time.

The Golden Lions (16-5-1) overcame their own early-season injuries to win the South Mountain Athletic Conference title. Forward Rebecca Burton is a key cog in Shelby’s attack, and Liana Stachowicz and Sydney Lampley each scored two goals in Wednesday’s 6-0 win over Mount Pleasant.