Hopewell Junior High Softball
Game 2: Hopewell Lady Vikings Jr. High Overcome Early Deficit to Defeat South Fayette 15-9 – Dual Game Slideshow
Hopewell Lady Vikings Jr. High Overcome Early Deficit to Defeat South Fayette 15-9
On Tuesday, the Hopewell Lady Vikings Jr. High softball team mounted an impressive comeback to defeat South Fayette 15-9 in a thrilling, high-scoring game. The Lady Vikings, who had already seen their first team tie earlier in the day, demonstrated resilience by overcoming a six-run deficit to secure the victory in the second game of the evening.
Hopewell started the game with a strong offensive push as Brooke Otto tripled on the seventh pitch of her at-bat, giving the Lady Vikings a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. However, South Fayette quickly answered back in the bottom of the first, exploding for eight runs on six hits to take a commanding 8-2 lead. The biggest blow of the inning came on a two-run ground out by South Fayette’s #11.
Despite the early setback, Hopewell wasn’t rattled. The team responded with a remarkable offensive explosion in the top of the second. The Lady Vikings scored 12 runs on five hits, including a three-RBI double from Sam Holsinger, to surge ahead 14-8. The aggressive hitting and timely base-running put Hopewell firmly in control, and they never looked back.
Defensively, the Lady Vikings were able to hold South Fayette to just one more run in the remaining innings, ultimately sealing the 15-9 victory. Abby Babinsack came in for relief and played a key role in stifling South Fayette’s offense after the rough first inning.
The game saw stellar individual performances, especially from Izzy Mutkus, who led Hopewell with three RBIs and a 1-for-2 day at the plate. Mutkus who had a good first game seems solid at the plate and is someone to watch moving forward. Zon also contributed significantly, going 2-for-3 with two hits. The team showed exceptional patience at the plate, drawing 11 walks throughout the game. Lillian Otto, Lily Cain, Gianna Rossi, and Holsinger each contributed two walks, helping to wear down South Fayette’s pitchers.
Hopewell’s aggressive base-running was another key to their victory, as they swiped a total of nine bases. Mutkus, Zon, and Holsinger were particularly active on the basepaths, stealing multiple bases and keeping South Fayette’s defense on its toes.
In the circle, Lily Cain started for Hopewell but struggled early, giving up six hits and eight runs (seven earned) in just two-thirds of an inning. HSN had seen Lilly before and knows this wasn’t a typical outing and is a pitcher to watch as she progresses through the season. However, the team’s offensive outburst and Babinsack’s relief appearance ensured that Hopewell would prevail in the end.
Overall, the Hopewell Lady Vikings Jr. High showed incredible resilience and team chemistry, bouncing back from a difficult first inning to claim a hard-fought 15-9 win. This victory follows a hard-fought tie by their first team earlier in the day, highlighting the strength of the program at both levels.
