Congratulations to the Greene Trojans softball team on winning the 2023 MAC Championship. (Photo from Greene CSD)

DEPOSIT – It wasn’t easy, but the Greene Trojans softball held on to a 1-0 lead to defeat a strong Deposit-Hancock team to win the MAC Championship. This was Greene’s second consecutive championship after defeating the Eagles 2-1 last season.

Both teams put up four hits with a strong defense backing them up. Greene got on the board in the second inning as Abby Yahner lead off with a base hit and advanced into scoring position with two outs. She scored on Claire Flanagan’s infield single, proving to be the game-winning run.

Greene also had many chances in the third inning with the bases loaded, but failed to score another run off a solid Deposit-Hancock defense, who stood their ground for the next four innings. However, Greene was able to hold onto their small lead to win the game.

The very important play of the game happened with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning that kept the Eagles from any potential threats.

Deposit’s ninth spot hitter laid down a bunt that Payton Yahner fielded, but her throw to Abby at first base was too high. Second baseman Cali Knapp backed up the play and the runner immediately tried for second base. Knapp tagged her, but initially the field umpire called her safe. Greene’s head coach Judi Mansheffer appealed the play and the call was overturned by the home plate umpire, ending the game.

Greene will now await their Sectional seeding and should find out their opponent and next game following Monday’s meeting. Greene finished the MAC with a 9-1 record behind Deposit-Hancock (10-0) and currently stand tall with a 12-3 record.

Box Score:

Runs by Inning: R H E

Greene:

0-1-0-0-0-0-0 1 4 3

D-H:

0-0-0-0-0-0-0 0 4 1