Rugby Middle hands Polk Middle first loss in conference clash

Rugby Middle outlasted Polk County Middle on Monday in a Blue Ridge Conference volleyball matchup of East Division title contenders.

The Raiders (4-3, 4-1) took a 25-19, 26-24 win to hand the Wolverines (6-1, 4-1) their first loss of the season and create a three-way tie atop the East Division standings. Brevard Middle also has one conference loss.

The Raiders closed the first set by winning the final seven points, then surged to an 11-3 advantage in the second set. But Polk Middle steadily cut into the lead, then rallied from a 24-18 deficit to tie the match at 24-24.

Rugby, though, forced a side out and served the final point to win the match.

Polk Middle returns home Wednesday to host Apple Valley for a 4:30 p.m. match.