Hopewell Lady Vikings Jr. High Top Freedom Area MS Bulldogs 10-6 Behind Strong Pitching Performance

The Hopewell Lady Vikings Jr. High softball team earned a hard-fought 10-6 victory over the Freedom Area MS Bulldogs on Monday, thanks to a standout pitching performance by Alyssa Phillips and a resilient offensive effort.

Hopewell struck first in the bottom of the first inning when Abby Babinsack delivered a clutch double, driving in the game’s opening run. However, Freedom answered quickly in the top of the second. Emme B grounded out to score a run, followed by RBI singles from Brooke S and Alyssa F, with F’s hit plating two more to put Freedom ahead 4-1.

Undeterred, the Lady Vikings rallied in the bottom of the third. Capitalizing on a Bulldogs error and timely hitting, Brooke Otto and Alyssa Phillips each singled to the left side, and Sam Holsinger drew a bases-loaded walk — each plate appearance driving in a run to reclaim the lead for Hopewell.

Alyssa Phillips was instrumental both in the circle and at the plate. Earning the win, Phillips threw five strong innings, allowing just five hits and six runs — only one of which was earned — while striking out nine and walking five. Her effective mix of speed and offspeed pitches, ranging between 36 and 50 mph, kept the Bulldogs’ hitters off balance throughout the game.

At the plate, Hopewell collected nine hits overall. Phillips led the offense from the seventh spot in the lineup, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs. Lily Cain and Brooke Otto also contributed multi-hit games, each collecting two hits apiece.

Freedom’s offense was led by Presley M, who went 2-for-2 and stole four bases, demonstrating aggressive baserunning. B, S, Presley M, and F each recorded an RBI for Freedom.

The Lady Vikings will look to build on this momentum as they play a double header currently tied with Freedom in the second game at 3-3.