Almost at full strength, Polk sweeps past Avery
Molly Hill eagerly awaits a few things entering the final two weeks of the delayed 2020 volleyball season.
Celebrating seniors at the final regular-season home match. Hopefully wrapping up another Western Highlands Conference championships. Start of the 1A playoffs.
Having a full roster available and setting the same lineup two matches in a row.
Polk was nearly at full strength for Wednesday’s home match with Avery, and the Wolverines took advantage to claim a 25-19, 25-15, 25-18 victory over the Vikings in a conference matchup.
Polk County improved to 9-0 overall, 7-0 in conference play. The Wolverines can clinch at least a share of the WHC title on Saturday as Owen visits for another conference clash. Avery dropped to 3-3, 2-3.
Hill expects to have her complete roster on hand for that match; only senior Kristen Hall missed Wednesday’s match and that for non-medical reasons. That hasn’t been the case for some two-thirds of Polk’s outings thus far this season.
“I feel like I’ve made a new lineup every game,” Hill said. “That’s really been OK, though. It’s given a lot of people a chance to get in and play in different spots, and I think that will help us in the playoffs.”
One of those sliding about has been sophomnore Adair Edwards, who recorded 13 digs and eight kills Wednesday. Marissa Twitty also had eight kills while Marilyn Castillo recorded seven, with five digs.
“We didn’t have Kristen today, but we adapted well,” Hill said. “Adair stepped up and played all the way around and did a good job. I thought Marissa played great.
“I’m proud of all of them. I’m excited to have everybody back for Saturday to see what we can do.”
Emmie McDowell recorded 25 assists with nine digs while Rollins Carter had 20 digs and Ella Waldman had 16 digs.