Polk County Middle’s softball team mounted a late-game comeback effort but couldn’t overcome an early deficit, falling 11-7 to undefeated Rugby Middle in Blue Ridge Conference action Monday at Polk County Recreation Complex.
The Raiders (6-0) broke the game open with a nine-run outburst across the second and third innings, building a commanding lead that proved just enough to withstand Polk’s persistent rallies. Despite the loss, the Wolverines (6-4) scored more runs against Rugby than any other opponent this season.
Polk County’s offense awakened in the fourth inning when Minda McComas was hit by a pitch and eventually scored on Kendall Taylor’s two-out single, the Wolverines’ first hit of the game. The momentum continued in the fifth when Kayla Hayford singled and, after a fielder’s choice, Lucy Tessnair and Bella Lancaster delivered consecutive singles to drive in a run.
Get PolkSports delivered to your inbox
Sign up for our free newsletter →
The Wolverines added two more runs in the sixth with two-out production. Hayford singled, Kenzie Alm doubled and an error on Tessnair’s grounder allowed Hayford to score before Lancaster’s single brought home Alm.
Polk County continued fighting in the seventh, scoring three more runs. Tilly Harris reached on an error and Preslie Bradley was hit by a pitch before Taylor singled to load the bases. Aubrey Champion’s groundout scored Harris, and Alm followed with a double to drive in Bradley. Taylor scored on a passed ball before Rugby recorded the final out.
Alm led the Wolverines’ offense, going 2-for-3 with two doubles, two runs, an RBI and two stolen bases. Hayford, Lancaster and Taylor each contributed two hits, with Lancaster driving in two runs.
Polk Middle concludes its regular season on Thursday, hosting Hendersonville Middle for a 4:30 p.m. game at the recreation complex.
