NORWAY — The defending Division 4 state runner-up Norway Knights took to the diamond for the first time in 2025 on Friday and left with a dominant doubleheader sweep over Ewen-Trout Creek at Mike Maule Field.

In the first game, Norway jumped on the Panthers for eight runs in the opening inning to establish immediate control. The Knights added a single tally in the second and two more in the fourth to record the five-inning win.

In the nightcap, the Knights exploded for 10 runs in the second frame and went on to post a 20-2 rout.

“Great to get on a field and start playing games,” Knights head coach Tony Adams said. “(T)his was a good start with a lot more work to do.”

Cameron Varda began his junior campaign by going 5 for 7 with two doubles, a home run and eight RBIs, six of which came in the second game.

Senior Landon Amundsen also notched five hits with a triple and an RBI. Junior Owen Baij belted a double and a triple and scored three runs in the second contest. Freshman Ethan Alessandroni and junior Carter Cazzola also crossed the plate three times each.

Cazzola ripped a home run and drove in five in the second game.

Additionally, senior A.J. Gallino drove in two runs in the first game, while freshman Kellan Amundson and junior Elliott Kraemer logged two RBIs each in the second.

Senior Cole Baij started the first game and pitched three shutout innings to get the win, fanning nine and walking one. Gallino mopped up with two innings of work, allowing a hit while striking out three.

Senior Bryce Adams got the start in the nightcap and threw two shutout innings to get the win. He walked two and struck out four.

Also taking the hill in the second game were Owen Baij (1 innings with three strikeouts) and freshman Luke Lagina (2 innings, one earned run and one strikeout).

“Our pitchers (threw) about 64 percent strikes so that’s a good start,” Coach Adams said.

While the Knights seemed to pick up where they left off last year against U.P. teams, Coach Adams cautioned about making comparisons between the two clubs.

“It’s a new year and this is a different team,” he said. “We are excited about our journey this season, so we need to continue to improve, compete and have fun.”