As good as Polk County High School’s softball team is, the Wolverines ran into two powerhouses last week, and came up short in both contests.

After dropping contests to Brevard (March 11) and Madison (March 14), the Wolverines were scheduled to host Mountain Heritage on Wednesday, March 18. Last Friday, March 14 in spite of Hayley Kropp’s grand slam and Polk’s sparkling defense, Madison edged the Wolverines, 9-6 at Marshall.

“We had some chances,” said coach Jeff Wilson, “but hats off to our opponents,” he added, as Madison scored runs in four different innings.

Polk not only played errorless ball, but the sister act of Hayley and Ashley Kropp cut down a Patriot runner trying to score from second on a single.  Shortstop Hayley Kropp rifled a relay to catcher Ashley, who applied the tag.

In that game, Brandi Cordell was 1-2, with offensive support from Alexis McCraw (1-3) and Kassidy Reynolds (1-3).

Starting pitcher Ashley Scruggs fanned four and walked four in six innings.

Last Tuesday, Brevard topped Polk 9-3.

Ashley Kropp rapped two hits for Polk while teammate Maddy Foy turned two double plays. The Wolverines made just one error.

“I thought our focus (in both games) was really good,” Wilson said. He added that Brevard and Madison are each 20-win teams from last season.

Today, March 20 the Wolverines were scheduled to visit Cherokee, whom they defeated 11-0 on March 4.

On Friday, March 21, Polk plays Mitchell at home with the game scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.

With much of the season in front of them, “we’re pressing toward our team goals,” Wilson said.