Kropp hits for cycle to lead Polk softball in rout

Hayley Kropp hit for the cycle – a single, double, triple and home run – to lead Polk County to an 18-0 rout of Avery County on Monday in Avery.

Playing on the Vikings’ new turf field, Kropp drove in five runs and also added a walk as the Wolverines (5-2, 2-1) pounded out 13 hits to pick up the Western Highlands Conference win.

Ashley Kropp added three hits and four RBI and Brittany Jones drove in two runs to provide winning pitcher Ashley Scruggs with plenty of support. Scruggs allowed just one hit and struck out eight in recording her second straight shutout and third of the year.

Polk County built a 5-0 lead after two innings, then exploded for 10 runs in the third to put the game out of reach.

The Wolverines return home Thursday to face Owen in a key conference matchup.