Softball

Greene 1, Elmira Notre Dame 0

ELMIRA – Greene earned a return visit to the Section IV, Class C finals shutting out top-seeded Elmira Notre Dame Thursday afternoon.

It was the second straight year the Trojans (19-3) blanked the Crusaders by a 1-0 count. Sophomore pitcher Rebecca Hanrahan struck out 16, and worked out of bases-loaded, no-out jam in the seventh to secure the victory.

“It was just amazing, I think we went to another level higher than what we played in the Tioga game (last Tuesday),” said Greene head coach Rick Smith. “Today is the first time the word ‘warrior’ came to my mind to describe Becca.”

The Crusaders’ first two batters in the seventh reached on hits, and the next hitter bunted down to Greene third baseman Louise Holcomb. Holcomb was advised to hold the ball to protect against any bad throws, while also creating a potential force-out at any base.

Hanrahan got the first out when she fielded a grounder and threw to catcher Brittany Youngs for the force at home. She fanned the next hitter, and struck out the last batter on a three-two count to end the thrilling contest.