The early-season results amongst softball teams in the eastern division of the Grand River Conference looked promising for the likes of Princeton and Gallatin, both of whom reached the title game of the Albany Tournament, while Milan struggled to grab a Saturday win over Brashear, while Trenton started the campaign with five losses in two days at the Cameron Tournament. However, as conference play opened up by mid-week, the storyline is developing within the GRC, with all eight teams appear to be evenly-matched with a competitive race sure to follow, with the phrase “anything can happen” having more meaning than usual.
Trenton, after starting 0-5, gave up five runs in the top of the 1st inning against Albany, before roaring back with 14 runs in the bottom half, and grabbing a run-rule win. With that momentum behind them, the Lady Bulldogs began conference play at Putnam County on Wednesday night, as rain pushed back first pitch by 24 hours.
With sophomore right-hander Emma Roberts working around six walks, striking out four batters and leaning on her strong defense to get out of a number of jams, Trenton swung the road victory in Unionville, winning 3-1. Supplying the offensive charge was Chandler Lynch with a double and triple in three at-bats, scoring two runs. Mirena King and Gracyn Rongey each had a single, with King adding an RBI and Rongey a run scored.
Trenton won the JV game at Putnam County 5-2. Avery Clark had two hits, Morgan Foster 2 RBI’s, and Tymber Cooksey two RBI’s for the Lady Bulldogs.
The potential for a wild softball season in the GRC was further magnified with the Albany Tournament champion Gallatin Lady Bulldogs falling at home to Milan 4-3, with Cady Pauley striking out 10 batters, and Auburn Cole adding two hits and an RBI for the Lady ‘Cats. Princeton lost a late-game lead in an upset bid at Maysville, with the Lady Wolverines surviving a high-scoring affair, 12-10.
In the GRC Western Division, North Andrew took down Worth County by a score of 5-2.
Here is the scoreboard from Wednesday, September 1, 2021:
Polo 17, Stewartsville-Osborn 0 (3)
Lawson 11, Richmond 5
Chillicothe 7, East Buchanan 1
North Platte 9, Bishop LeBlond 0
Kirksville 13, Clark County 0
LaPlata 7, Schuyler County 0
