No. 7 Polytech rallies past Smyrna

Polytech sofball Julia MacConnel hit a three run homerun in their win over Smyrna. Photo by Ben Fulton

The Polytech Panthers fell behind 2-0 after three innings in Monday’s Henlopen Conference game at Smyrna. They responded with an immediate rally in the top of the fourth, scoring 6 runs including a 3-run homer by Julia MacConnell.

After the win, I asked Julia what her approach was on the “at-bat” as she was down in the count on-and-two. She said, “I was nervous and just wanted to put the ball in play, I didn’t even know it was out.” The big inning  began by a hit batter and 3 consecutive bunts, as the Panthers played “small ball”, until MacConnell capped off the rally with the “long ball”.

Polytech added two runs in the sixth inning as Gabrielle Bogdon singled, scoring MacConnell and Mackenzie Mitchell. That offensive display was more than enough for pitcher Mara Everton as she allowed just 3 hits while striking out 7.

Head coach Kyle Taylor told me, “offensively we are doing just fine, and today we got a little something from everybody.” Coach was referring to six of the nine starters getting a hit and scoring a run. He also told me, “Mara (Everton) is one of the top pitchers in the state when she hits her spots.”

Smyrna opened the scoring in the home half of the third when Lindsey Roscoe singled in two runs. The Eagles added another run in the fourth frame as Kennedy Diehl tripled, plating Adison Weisenberger who singled with one out.

Polytech improves to 6-2 on the season with home games Tuesday against Milford, and Thursday versus Woodbridge.

The Eagles are now 3-5 with all 5 losses coming to teams ranked in the top 10.