Polk County sophomore Reeve Carroll had 32 digs in Thursday's loss at West Henderson
Polk County sophomore Reeve Carroll had 32 digs in Thursday's loss at West Henderson

West hands Polk 3-1 setback in clash of defending state champs

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In a matchup of defending state champions, West Henderson demonstrated why it remains a powerhouse in North Carolina high school volleyball, defeating Polk County 3-1 Thursday in Mills River.

After Polk County (2-1) captured the opening set, the Falcons, last year’s 3A state champions, found their rhythm and controlled the remainder of the match against the defending 1A state title holders, taking a 18-25, 25-15, 25-14, 25-19 victory.

The Wolverines’ Akeela Cunningham led the offensive attack with 15 kills and added 11 digs in a strong two-way performance. Sophomore Beija Olivari contributed 10 kills and six digs, while senior Charley Dusenbury displayed her versatility with four kills, seven digs, and 12 assists.

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Olivari and Cunningham each had six kills in the opening-set win.

Sophomore Abby Lewis directed the Wolverines’ offense with 18 assists while adding 16 digs and four service aces. Reeve Carroll, also a sophomore, anchored the defense with a team-high 32 digs.

The Wolverines will look to bounce back when they return home Tuesday to face R-S Central.

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