RALEIGH, N.C. – When it mattered most, Wakefield left no doubt.

After dropping 2 of 3 matches to Rolesville, including a conference tournament championship six days prior, the Wolverines ran away with the fourth meeting — a 5-1 victory to advance to the third round of the 4A state playoffs.

Alexander Holmes recorded two goals and an assist. He was part of a run that saw Wakefield score the final three goals of the match to wash away any chance of a Rolesville comeback.

Holmes and Diego Vasquez gave the Wolverines a 2-0 lead through the opening 40 minutes. The lead was substantial as each of the first three meetings was settled by one goal.

Just over 10 minutes into the second half, Riley Daniels slashed Rolesville’s deficit in half. A penalty kick got the Rams on the board at 2-1.

Much-needed insurance came in the form of a Brooks Vice goal in the 60th minute. Both sides were battling for possession of a loose ball in the box. Vice found enough daylight to get off a shot to push Wakefield ahead 3-1.

Before the Wolverines sideline could settle in from their celebration, the lead had inflated to 4-1.

Holmes raced down and netted the dagger with 19:25 remaining in the match. Klein Pulley pushed the lead to 5-1 with a 72nd-minute tally.

The best season in program history rolls on into a third-round match at home against 27-seed Riverside. The Pirates, who lost 7-2 to the Wolverines back on September 9, pulled off a 1-0 upset of Ashley on Tuesday night.

If Wakefield were to win again, it would stay home for the fourth round of the playoffs to face either 18-seed Broughton or 26-seed Cardinal Gibbons. Riverside would have to play that match on the road.