Polk County took the first step toward a state volleyball title on Saturday, traveling to Franklin and defeating the Panthers 3-1 in opening-round 2A playoff action.
The Wolverines (15-8) recorded a 25-20, 20-25, 25-18, 25-23 victory to advance to Tuesday’s second round, in which Polk will travel to Newton-Conover (18-4). The Southern District 7 regular-season champions, Newton-Conover defeated Shelby in three games in its playoff opener on Saturday.
“Some of the best volleyball this team has played,” said Polk head coach Kelly Risley of the Wolverines’ effort. “We struggled receiving serve a bit in the second game, but we picked it back up and played well in the third and fourth games.”
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Sarah Phipps had 27 kills, Baileigh Fisher had 13 kills and Lilly Owens had five kills and 18 digs for Polk County. Kara Overholt added four kills and 43 assists and Savannah Ross finished with 18 service points, four aces and seven digs.
Prior to Saturday’s loss, Franklin had reached at least the third round of the playoffs in each of the last six years.
