Polk Middle tops Macon in girls soccer tournament opener

Ava Marino had her second consecutive hat trick Thursday as Polk County Middle topped Macon Middle, 5-1, in the opening round of the Blue Ridge Middle School Conference girls soccer tournament at Polk.

The Wolverines (9-4) also received two goals from Belen Akers in winning for the seventh time in their last eight games.

Marino had three goals in Monday’s season-ending win at Apple Valley.

Polk Middle, seeded fourth in the tourney, now advances to Monday’s semifinals, where the Wolverines will face West Division champion Waynesville. The Mountaineers defeated Flat Rock 8-1 in their opening match.

Hendersonville and Rugby will meet in Monday’s other semifinal.