Polk Middle falls at Rugby, but wins coin flip for East Division’s top seed

Polk County Middle dropped a tough 2-1 decision Wednesday at Rugby Middle – but then received a bit of news Thursday morning to help soothe any wounded feelings.

The Wolverines and Raiders finished tied atop the Blue Ridge Conference East Division standings. But Polk Middle won a coin flip and will be the East’s top seed in the BRC postseason tournament that begins Monday.

Polk Middle (12-2) will host Smoky Mountain on Monday at 4:30 p.m. If the Wolverines win that one, they would then remain at home and face either Canton Middle or Brevard Middle in the tournament semifinals on Wednesday. Canton finished second in the West Division, its only two losses to Macon Middle, and defeated Rugby Middle earlier this season.

Rugby, meanwhile, moved to the other side of the bracket and could face a semifinal trip to undefeated Macon in its semifinal.

Rugby claimed a thrilling 25-17, 23-25, 16-14 victory on Wednesday to earn a split of the East Division title with Polk Middle. The Wolverines held the lead throughout much of the third set and served for the match at 14-13, but the Raiders were able to fight off that match point and score twice more to secure the win.

“I am very proud of the effort from our team,” said Polk Middle head coach Kenny Hall. “They showed great toughness in that second set to bounce back and not only take it, but to come out with confidence to have a very strong start to the third set.”