Rugby Middle hands Polk Middle first loss of season

Rugby Middle dealt Polk County Middle its first setback of the season Wednesday, sweeping past the Wolverines 2-0 in a key Blue Ridge Conference East Division matchup.

The victory pulled Rugby (6-2) into a tie with Polk Middle (8-1) atop the East Division standings in what proved to be a pivotal clash between division frontrunners.

The Wolverines looked sharp early, building a 10-5 advantage in the opening set. But Rugby seized control with a decisive eight-point run, turning a 12-10 deficit into an 18-12 lead. That momentum swing proved too much for Polk Middle to overcome as Rugby claimed the first set 25-15.

Rugby carried that energy into the second set, racing to a quick 7-1 advantage and steadily expanding the lead throughout en route to a 25-12 victory to complete the sweep.

The Wolverines will look to bounce back Tuesday when they host Apple Valley in another key conference clash.