by Mark Schmerling

After starting the season with a new coach and many new players, Polk County High School’s volleyball team takes its 12-7 season record into the state tournament this weekend.

The tournament begins Saturday afternoon at Franklin High School. Polk opens play at 4 p.m. against Franklin.

The Wolverines, under head coach Kelly Risley, finished second in the Western Highlands Conference.

They’re the No. 3 AA seed in the state competition. Franklin was 10-11 in the regular season. Though Polk and Mountain Heritage split their two regular-season matches, MH became the number two AA seed in the state tournament through a drawing.

“There should be pretty good match-ups,” said Wolverines’ athletic director Jeff Wilson. “Coach Risley has done a terrific job,” added Wilson, who noted that regular-season records are behind now. “When the playoffs begin, everyone starts with an 0-0 record.”

Wilson is confident in the teams’s chances, in part, because volleyball is so strong in this area.

State format is single-elimination with best-three-of-five matches. If the Wolverines defeat Franklin, they’ll take on Newton-Conover at Hickory.

To follow brackets, go to the North Carolina High school Athletic Association website nchsaa.org, and click on volleyball.