Madison rallies to hand Polk first loss of season

Madison rallied in the sixth inning Friday to earn a 5-4 win over Polk County in the Western Highlands Conference softball opener for both teams in Marshall.

The Patriots (5-0, 1-0) pushed ahead in their final at-bat to hand the Wolverines (2-1, 0-1) their first loss of the season.

Polk County had the tying run on base in the top of the seventh, but Madison’s defense made a key stop of Karli Wood’s line drive up the middle to preserve the win.

Haley Fowler finished 3-for-4 with a double and two stolen bases to lead Polk County, which also got a 3-for-4 effort from Ashley Ponder and 2-for-4 days from Autumn Owen and Wood. Polk County had 13 hits in the loss.

The Wolverines make their home debut on Tuesday, hosting Mountain Heritage.