NTL SOFTBALL: TROY FALLS IN HEARTBREAKER TO ATHENS (2025-04-24)
BY CHRIS MANNINGNorthern Tier Sports ReportEAST TROY — Troy and Athens battled to a defensive draw for much of the game Thursday. A couple times the Trojans looked one swing away from breaking through, but in the end it was Athens getting that one swing as freshman Memphis Paul hit a solo home run in the top of the seventh to propel the Wildcats to the 1-0 loss in NTL softball action.
Despite the setback Troy coach Wayne Pratt felt his team left it all out on the field.
“I thought it was possibly our best game this year,” he said. “The pitchers pitched. We didn’t get the hits when we needed but played great defense. We’re going up against possibly the best team in our league this year, a 1-0 ball game, I’m very proud of our girls.”
The Trojans were lights out defensively as they didn’t commit an error, saw Lauren Reed make two doubles saving running catches in right field, and catcher Lauren Ridall got a pick-off at second base.
“She was getting a couple steps there trying to take third to give them that run, and it left the window open,” said Pratt. “Credit to Lauren throwing it there on a rope. It was a great play by the girls. As long as our defense shows up were in any game.”
Olivia Champluvier battled in the circle, going seven innings to strikeout six with no walks, three hits, and the one earned run.
But Athens’ Gretchen Hiley continued her dominant run through the league, tossing a 12-strikeout, 1-hit shutout to keep the Wildcats undefeated on the season.
Troy did draw four walks off her, forcing her to throw 113 pitches, but ended up stranding seven base runners on the afternoon.
Madi Palmer (1-for-3) had the team’s lone hit.
Troy’s best chance to score came in the first as Ridall and Haidyn Watson drew a pair walks, followed by Erinn Knapp reaching on an error. The Trojans loaded the bases with one out, but Hiley struck out the next two to get out of the jam.
In the fourth Stanton opened the inning by reaching on an error. Two batters later Palmer had a hit to right field.
Stanton tried for third but Athens’ Gretchen Schmieg threw Stanton out at third.
In the top of the seventh Paul took a 1-1 pitch over the centerfield fence for the 1-out home run, and the difference in the game.
Troy (6-3) will host Midd-West for a double-header on Saturday with a 10 a.m. start.
“We’re going to keep coming back here to the field and taking it one night at a time,” Pratt said. “Working on our defense, you can always improve defense, and continue to work on our bats.”
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PHOTOS BY CHRIS MANNING
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