HERKIMER – The Greene varsity softball team was granted the honors of hosting the annual Emma Durrant Memorial Tournament this past weekend, Saturday May 14.
“Playing at the Mudville complex is something that schools across the entire state plan a year or more in advance and there is actually a waiting list to play there before the season starts,” said Greene head Coach Rick Condon. “With that said, the Greene softball program is extremely fortunate to now have the privilege to host the Emma Durant Memorial Tournament every year.”
The tournament is in honor of Emma Durant, a talented 10-year old softball player from Schaghticoke, New York who lost her life in a tragic accident on June 13, 2000 – the very day she was on her way to a championship game herself.
“This tournament is compiled of the top talent from across New York State from Akron (west) to Troy (east) and Plattsburgh (north) to Long Island Lutheran (south) all the top talent play there all at one time AA - D class schools and it's softball all day from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.,” said Condon.
The Mudville complex is owned and operated by Perry and Katey Novak, who use their facility to raise money for multiple charities and foundations across New York State.
“I am extremely proud that myself, my players, their parents and the entire Greene softball program are now a true part of something as great as this,” said Condon. “It not only gives them the experience of competing against the top talent in New York State but also shows the players that they can give more than just 100% on the field but in their community as well. We are preparing for sectionals this week and it was a great way to boost their spirits and build teamwork.”
In their first matchup this past Saturday, Greene would face state ranked Class B Akron, ultimately gaining experience but suffering a 15-4 loss.
AKRON
Akron would secure a 4-0 in the second inning before Brittany Johns would singled to center field to send Maddie Brink home for their first run of the game.
Green would correct some issues with errors they suffered in the previous game to Marathon when they only committed one in this game, while Akron actually committed two.
Greene would suffer an Akron four run inning in the top of the third, before answering back with three runs of their own.
However, state-ranked Akron would get the best of The Lady Trojans with a seven-run fourth inning to claim the lead for the final time.
Alex Thompson would pitch the first four innings of the five inning game, before Lydia Howard was brought in in relief. Thompson would manage just one strikeout of the Akron batters who were simply on fire, managing 15-hits in the contest.
Greene batters: Alyssa Sands 0-1 with a run, McKenna Sergi 0-3 with a run, Sydney Bennett 2-3 with two RBI's, Maddie Brink 1-2 with a run, Brittany Johns 2-2 with an RBI, Jenna Harrington 1-2 with a run, and Alex Thompson 1-1 with an RBI.
G: 0 1 3 0 0– 4
