Polk County’s junior varsity volleyball team showcased its resilience Tuesday, bouncing back from a first-set loss to defeat Avery 2-1 in a Western Highlands Conference matchup in Newland.
The Wolverines (8-5) dropped the opening set 25-21 before storming back to claim the final two sets 25-10, 15-12.
Claire Lawrence led the Wolverine attack with eight kills and 19 digs, exceeding her season average in both categories. The sophomore’s defensive effort helped anchor Polk County’s dramatic turnaround after the first set.
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Camdyn Israel-Garrett recorded 16 assists while adding four kills and 12 digs. Ava Evans provided a defensive spark with 21 digs while also serving up three aces.
The Wolverines’ front-line defense proved crucial in the victory, with Lorali Wing recording four blocks and Jackie Sankey adding another. Wing also contributed three kills and an ace to the winning effort.
Madalyn Varnadore (four kills), Emily Nance (two kills, two aces) and Olivia Kirk (two aces, nine digs) rounded out a balanced offensive attack for Polk County.
The victory marks another step forward for the Wolverines, who have alternated wins and losses in their last six matches. Avery (8-4) suffered its fourth loss of the season in the competitive contest.
Polk County will look to build on this momentum when they host Landrum on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. in a non-conference match.
