NTL SOFTBALL: ATHENS DROPS 4-3 HEART-BREAKER TO ONCE-BEATEN TROY (24 PHOTOS) (2024-04-23)

Valley Sports Report
ATHENS — Once-beaten Troy scored three runs in the fourth inning to rally from an early two-run deficit on its way to a 4-3 win over Athens here Tuesday afternoon in NTL Large School Division softball action.

The Trojans, now 7-1, also complete the season sweep of the Wildcats after a 4-2 win at Troy in the season opener.

“Today’s game was just a well-played game between two very tough teams,” said Athens coach Brian Wendela. “To hold Troy, which has an explosive offense, to four runs. you know you have a chance to win.

“I felt our defense was really solid with no errors, and the pitching duo of (Savannah) Persun and (Gretchan) Hiley gave us opportunities to find a way to win.

“We had 10 hits and lots of hard-hit balls to the defense,” noted Wendela. “Unfortunately, our Achilles’ Heel both games against Troy was not getting that timely hit when we had the runners in scoring position, or with two outs when we needed it; that’s just the way the game goes some times.

“It was a fun game to be part of and I’m really proud of the effort given by the girls,” added Wendela. “We have lots of softball this week and the girls are continuing to work day-in and day-out to get better each day. I’m confident the girls are going to bounce back and find their stride.”

The Wildcats drew first blood in the bottom of the first inning on a two-out double to the fence in left field by junior Savannah Persun, and an RBI single to center field by freshman Gretchan Hiley.

Athens made it 2-0 in the second inning.

Senior Marissa Butler led off with a single, and  freshman McKenna Jarvis followed with a bunt single. With one out, the runners advanced on a wild pitch, then Butler scored on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Gretchan Hiley.

The Trojans sliced the lead in half in the top of the third on a one-out single by Lauren Ridall, and an RBI double by Amber Jones. Moments later, however, Troy ran itself into a double play to end the inning.

The Wildcats put two runners on base in the home half of the inning on a one-out walk to sophomore Maddie Hiley, and a two-out single by sophomore Savannah Finan, but Trojan ace Olivia Champluvier escaped the jam unscathed.

Moments later, Champluvier tied the game at 2-2 with a blast over the left-field fence.

With one out, Caitlyn Knapp reached on an infield single, then Sydnee Bellows reached first when Knapp beat a throw to second base on a force-out attempt, and Marlee Stanton lined a single to left field to load the bases.

After a strikeout by Persun, Ridall gave the Trojans a 4-2 lead with a two-RBI single to left field, but reliever Gretchan Hiley and ended the inning with a strikeout.

Athens threatened in the home half of the inning, but couldn’t push a run across.

Jarvis reached on an error, but was promptly thrown out trying to steal second base. After a double by sophomore Danica May, Gretchan Hiley reached on an error, but a strikeout and groundout ended the threat.

The Wildcats closed the gap to 4-3 in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Athens loaded the bases on consecutive one-out singles by Jarvis, May, and Gretchan Hiley, and with two outs, Persun was hit by a pitch to force home Jarvis, but that was all the damage the Wildcats would do.

Gretchan Hiley retired Troy in order in the top of the seventh inning, but Champluvier returned the favor in the home half to nail down the win.

May doubled and singled, and scored one run, and Jarvis singled twice to pace Athens’ 10-hit attack, while Persun doubled, scored one run, and drove in one run, and Gretchan Hiley and Maddie Hiley each singled and knocked in one run.

Butler singled and scored one run for the Wildcats, and Finan and junior Jules Pack each added a single.

Persun was tagged with the loss, allowing four runs on eight hits, while striking out four and walking one 3 2/3 innings.

Gretchan Hiley fanned seven, while walking one and allowing one hit in 3 1/3 innings of scoreless relief.

Ridall was 3-for-3 with a double, one run scored, and two RBI to pace Troy’s nine-hit attack.

Champluvier earned the win, allowing three runs on 10 hits, while striking out one and walking one.

Athens, now 3-5, returns to action Friday in a doubleheader at Wellsboro.

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IN PHOTO 1: Athens junior Savannah Persun. … PHOTOS BY TIM BIRNEY.