Down by two goals, Flat Rock Middle came alive a little late in the first half of a Blue Ridge Conference playoff game Monday at Polk Middle.
The score from a long kick energized the Eagles and their fans, prompting a scream from their side of Utz Field.
Reeve Carroll and the Wolverines quickly silenced the guest stands and benches.
Carroll's impressive assist led to Polk Middle's two goals and the Wolverines won 6-1 in the first round of the tournament.
Polk Middle (13-1-1) advances to Monday's semifinals, where the Wolverines will face Waynesville Middle in a game starting at 4 p.m.
Polk will appreciate a team effort like the one he showed Wednesday.
Flatrock's goal was followed by a key burst from Carroll to cut the Wolverines' lead to 2-1. Carroll has been weaving between Flat Rock defenders all day and did so again this time, driving close to the end line before hitting a perfect cross. Meanwhile, Kaia Miller sprinted into the box, putting herself in perfect position to direct Carroll's cross toward the goal, giving Polk a 3-1 lead.
Shortly after, Carroll took a throw-in from the field on the Flat Rock side. The eighth-grader performed her patented somersault throw, sending her ball deep into the penalty area. There, Melina Parmalee was waiting for her, took the ball, and put it into the net.
4-1 Pork lead. The game is effectively over.
“These are things we've been working on all season, especially the goals from Kaia and Melina,” Polk Middle head coach Jessica Marleau said. “I'm really proud of all of the girls. They came out in the heat, did what they did best, played as a team and worked hard together.
“Words cannot express how proud I am of every player on this team and their accomplishments. Together, we are a team.”
Kenley Savaia scored Polk Middle's final two goals off assists from Carroll and Miller, who scored the first two goals.
