Polk County Middle’s softball season came to an abrupt end Wednesday in Sylva as the Wolverines fell to Smoky Mountain Middle 19-4 in the first round of the Blue Ridge Conference Tournament.
The Wolverines (6-4) were overwhelmed by a dominant second-inning performance from the Mustangs (9-2), who broke open a close game with 16 runs in the frame to seal the three-inning contest via the mercy rule.
Polk County showed early promise, taking a 1-0 lead in the first inning. Kenzie Alm was hit by a pitch to reach base, stole second and later scored on a passed ball with two outs.
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In the wake of Smoky Mountain’s epic second inning, the Wolverines staged a brief rally. With one out, Alm was again hit by a pitch before Kayla Hayford delivered a double to bring her home. Hayford advanced to third on a passed ball, and Tilly Harris reached after being hit by a pitch.
Following Harris’ steal of second base, Kendall Taylor’s dropped third strike resulted in an out at first but allowed Hayford to score. Aubrey Champion then singled to drive in Harris.
The offensive bright spots for Polk included Hayford, who finished 1-for-2 with a double, RBI and a run scored, while Champion went 1-for-2 with an RBI.
