NTL SOFTBALL: TROY GETS UP EARLY, HANGS ON LATE TO BEAT ATHENS (2024-03-27)

Northern Tier Sports Report
EAST TROY — Troy opened their season by holding off Athens, 4-2, in NTL softball action Tuesday.

The Trojans used a big second inning, scoring three runs, to pull ahead, then got out of a bases loaded jam in the top of the seventh to preserve the win.

“The one thing we needed to know is was our defense going to respond this year,” Troy coach Wayne Pratt said. “Last year, we had some mistakes, this year, we’ve worked hard on our defense, and I thought our defense answered. We only had a couple (errors), and they were minor. I’m pretty happy with our bats, our base running was great, and I’m real happy with where we’re at right now for game one.”

Lauren Ridall went 2-for-4 with a run scored, and an RBI, while Kali Ayres (2-for-4) had a double with a run scored.

Amber James (1-for-3) had a double with a run scored, and an RBI, as Olivia Champluvier (1-for-4) drove in a run. Madi Palmer (1-for-4) and Caitlyn Knapp (1-for-2) also had hits, with Knapp scoring a run.

Champluvier got the start, going the first innings to get the win. She struck out two with two walks, and one hit batsman. Ayres went the final five innings, striking out three with two walks, two runs, two hit batsmen, and three hits.

The Trojans got a run in the first as Ayres scored on a Champluvier hit to make it 1-0.

In the second Knapp led off with a hit then scored on James’ double. She was brought around on Ridall’s hit, who then scored on an error for a 4-0 lead.

Athens got one back in the third, then loaded the bases with two outs in the seventh. They would scratch one in, but Ayres got a ground out to end the threat, and secure the win.

“I really have a lot of confidence in these girls,” Pratt said. “They showed me in the pre-season that they brought their gloves this year, and they’re hungry. Whatever happens, happens, but they gave me their best, and that’s all I can ever ask of them.”

They hit the road to Wyalusing (0-1) on Thursday.

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PHOTOS BY JOE CARREON

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