HV’s Varsity Softball Lose in Extra Innings vs. Blackhawk!

Hopewell Vikings Fall to Blackhawk Cougars in Walk-Off Loss

The Hopewell Varsity Vikings suffered a tough 2-1 defeat to the Blackhawk Varsity Cougars on Monday in a thrilling game that went to extra innings. A walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth inning by Brynn Hysong propelled Blackhawk to victory after the game was tied 1-1.

Both teams were outstanding in the circle, with strong pitching performances on both sides. Blackhawk’s pitchers combined for 11 strikeouts, while Hopewell’s pitchers fanned eight batters throughout the game. The strong pitching battle kept the game tightly contested and made for a tense atmosphere on the field.

Hopewell opened the scoring early in the game in the top of the first inning. Victoria Mann, who had been a key player for the Vikings all season, doubled to drive in a run, putting her team up 1-0.

Blackhawk responded in the bottom of the sixth inning when Lila Grimm tripled down the right-field line on an 0-2 count, scoring a run to tie the game at 1-1. That would be the last scoring action in regulation, sending the game into extra innings.

After the game remained tied through eight innings, Blackhawk’s Hysong came up big in the bottom of the ninth. With one out, she singled to center field, scoring the winning run and handing Blackhawk the walk-off win.

Kylie Prisuta earned the victory for Blackhawk, coming in as relief to pitch four and two-thirds innings. She allowed just one hit and no runs while striking out three batters.

Hopewell’s starting pitcher, Kara Barkovich, threw four solid innings. The right-hander surrendered only one hit and no runs, while striking out six batters and walking five. However, despite her strong performance, Barkovich and the Vikings’ defense couldn’t hold on in extra innings.

Peyton Kimberlin started for Blackhawk, allowing three hits and one run in four and one-third innings of work, with five strikeouts and two walks.

Mann led Hopewell offensively, driving in the Vikings’ lone run with her double in the first. She went 1-for-4 on the day. Along with Mann, Isabella Katkich, Alana Covalt, and Marina Pinchotti each recorded one hit. Katkich and Covalt both showed their speed on the bases, stealing multiple bases to keep pressure on Blackhawk’s defense.

Hopewell’s base-running was aggressive, tallying a total of four stolen bases in the game. The Vikings’ defense was solid, as they didn’t commit a single error, with Mann making the most plays, recording 10 of the team’s defensive outs.

On the other side, Hysong was the offensive star for Blackhawk, going 4-for-5 with four hits on the day. Morgan Alexander also contributed with two walks, as Blackhawk showed patience at the plate, drawing five walks in total.

Despite the loss, Hopewell will look to bounce back when they host Sto-Rox on Thursday for their next game.

With both teams showing tremendous resilience and strong pitching, it was a hard-fought battle, but Blackhawk’s walk-off hit proved to be the difference.