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Polk County secured the top seed in the 1A West bracket and will open state playoff action on Saturday at home against South Davidson.

The Wolverines (22-3) will begin their quest for a state championship against the 4-16 Wildcats, who finished fifth in the Central Carolina 2A/1A Conference but qualified for the playoffs as the top 1A team in the league.

The Wildcats are led by senior hitter Haley Whitaker and senior libero/defensive specialist Lorelei Elberson, who ranks in the top five in digs in 1A West.

With the top seed, Polk County is assured of playing at home in every postseason match except a possible state final appearance in Raleigh.

Highland Tech (25-2), Cornerstone Charter (24-0), Cherokee (21-3) and Uwharrie Charter (19-6) rounded out the top five seeds in the 1A West field.

With a win on Saturday, Polk County would move into Tuesday’s second round and host the winner of the Draughn-Mount Airy first-round match.