Greene’s Payton Yahner (#22) hits a hard hit ball off Norwich’s Caitlin Wetterhahn and makes it around the bases. Yahner went 3-for-5, driving in four RBIs. (Photo by Morgan Golliver)

NORWICH – The Greene Trojans were on the road against Norwich on Monday for their first game of the 2023 season. The Trojans, coming off a states run last season, defeated the Purple Tornado in a big 25-2 victory.

After losing their top pitcher, Olivia Kennedy, after graduation, senior Payton Yahner stepped up on the mound to be the team’s top pitcher with Cali Knapp as secondary if needed. Yahner proved herself strong in the win against Norwich on the mound and at the plate.

Norwich’s defense started off strong in the first as Greene got caught up on a double play to go down quick. Greene wasn’t shut down for long as they produced seven runs in the second inning.

Payton Yahner drove in two of her four RBIs on the day with a single while Dakota LeBlanc also drove in two runs and achieved a stolen base.

Norwich answered back with two runs in the bottom half of the inning off mishaps by the Trojans defense. However, the Purple Tornado failed to provide a hit against Payton Yahner in the loss.

Greene’s offense kept their bats going in the third and in the fifth inning with nine runs, totaling 18 final runs altogether. Payton Yahner and McKenzie Scott both had hard hit balls that the defense couldn’t get easily, taking them around all the bases.

On the mound, Payton Yahner struck out 15 Norwich batters over five innings. Norwich’s Caitlin Wetterhahn tried to hold up her confidence, despite a tough outing. She did pick up six strikeouts in the loss.

UP NEXT:

Greene (1-0) heads right back onto the field this afternoon, hosting Delhi at 4:30 p.m.

Norwich (0-2) will host Sus Valley on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m.

Box Score:

Runs by Inning R H E

Greene:

0-7-9-0-9 25 10 4

Norwich:

0-2-0-0-0 2 0 16