Hopewell Lady Vikings Jr. High Secures Walk-Off Victory Over Freedom, Powered by Babinsack’s Strong Relief Performance

The Hopewell Lady Vikings Jr. High softball team captured an exciting 4-3 walk-off win over Freedom Area Middle School on Monday afternoon. In today’s double header Hopewell showed their skills as they took both games from Freedom. The first was also covered by HSN and scope out the action here: https://hopewellsportsnation.com/2025/04/28/

After trailing early, the Lady Vikings showed resilience, battling back to tie the game in the third inning and eventually securing the victory in the bottom of the fifth when the winning run crossed the plate on a dropped third strike.

Freedom jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning, capitalizing on a two-run single by Jordyn M and another run driven in by Brooke S. Hopewell responded in the bottom of the third, sparked by a double from Brooke Otto and a triple from Abby Babinsack, who helped even the score at 3-3.

Lilly Cain had a good outing only giving up three runs two earned to keep the Vikings in the game. Abby Babinsack took over in the circle and delivered a dominant relief performance to keep Hopewell in the game. The right-hander pitched four shutout innings, allowing just one hit while striking out six. Her command and poise under pressure were critical in setting up the dramatic finish.

Offensively, Izzy Mutkus and Brooke Otto led the Lady Vikings with two hits each, while Otto, Gianna Rossi, and Babinsack each drove in a run. Hopewell’s defense also came up big, turning a key double play to stifle a Freedom rally.

Freedom’s offense was led by Jordyn M, who finished with two RBIs, and Alyssa F, who also collected a hit.

The Lady Vikings will look to continue their winning momentum when they travel to face West Allegheny on Tuesday.