BY CHRIS MANNINGNorthern Tier Sports Report
A senior laden Troy softball team had another successful season in 2025 as they reached their first district title game in 14 years.
“Overall I felt we had a good season,” said Troy coach Wayne Pratt. “It took me longer than usual to figure the combo of players and where to play them to give our fans the best product out there. Our last twelve games of the season were packed with energy and fun as the ladies hit there stride and really did well.”
The Trojans went 12-6 in the regular season to take third in the District IV, Class AA standings.
They opened with a 13-2 win over Wellsboro, then lost a close one to Athens (5-3). That was followed by a win over Wyalusing (17-0), then fell in another thriller to NP-Liberty (3-2).
After that Troy won four straight, holding off Williamson (7-6) and Towanda (8-6), and pulling away from Canton (24-6) and Wellsboro (13-0).
They had another close loss to Athens (1-0), then split a double-header with Midd-West (3-1 loss, 15-0 win).
After a loss to Wyalusing (8-4) they got one against NP-Liberty (4-2), and pulled away from NEB (12-1).
They won three more after that - beating Canton (15-0), Sayre (6-1), and CV (19-2) - for a five game win streak.
They ended the regular season with a loss to Towanda (6-4).
In districts they rolled past Williamson (10-0), edged Northwest (2-1), and then lost to South Williamsport (11-1), who is now in the state semifinals.
The team was led by a senior class that has been the backbone of the program since their sophomore year.
Kali Ayres hit .518 to lead Troy with a team high 30-RBI and five homer runs, while Lauren Ridall hit .448 with three doubles, two home runs, and team highs in runs scored (38) and steals (25).
Amber James hit .410 while Madi Palmer finished with 80 hits, 66-RBIS, and 10 home runs in her career.
Olivia Champluvier finished her career with 73 hits, 53-RBI’s, 11 home runs, and over 100 strikeouts. Marlee Stanton added 67 hits, 49-RBI, and six home runs in her career.
Freshman hurler Erinn Knapp finished with over 100 strikeouts this season.
They’ll have some rebuilding to do next year as they fill most of their line-up, but with Knapp and fellow freshman Haidyn Watson they have a strong core to build around.
“Our seniors have done such an incredible job of rebuilding Trojan softball, our future looks bright,” said Pratt. “As this season has closed, I know that our program will continue to be competitive.”
