Hopewell Rec Softball 12U – Cronin/Majors Kicks Off Season with 9–4 Victory Despite Storm Damage earlier this Week!!

Despite powerful storms rolling through the area and causing damage to the batting cages earlier in the week, the Hopewell Rec Softball 12U – Cronin team wasn’t about to let weather dampen their season opener. On Thursday night, the girls took to the field and delivered a strong performance, defeating Rochester by a score of 9–4.

Rochester jumped out to an early lead, scoring in each of the first three innings, including an inside-the-park home run by Madison M. But Hopewell 12U Navy responded with grit and determination. Tied 1–1 after the first, they surged ahead in the third inning, fueled by back-to-back triples from Aubrey Majors, Madison Santamaria and Sofia Cronin, giving Hopewell a 5–3 lead they would not relinquish.

Pitching was a standout strength for Hopewell. Madison Santamaria got the start in the circle, striking out eight over three innings while allowing just one hit and two runs. Tayla Schwartzmiller came in as relief and kept the momentum going. Combined, the two pitchers tallied 12 strikeouts on the night, holding a fast Rochester lineup in check.

Offensively, Madison, and Aubrey each drove in two runs, while Summer Shreve led the team with three walks. On the bases, Hopewell was aggressive and smart, stealing 11 bases with Tayla, Summer, and Meier Swana each swiping more than one. The defense was flawless, with no errors committed, and Meier led the team with seven defensive plays. Sophia Cronin made a heads-up playing with Rochester threatening to score by snagging a ball down the first base line before rolling foul to get the out on Rochesters Madison M. In a separate defensive play Hopewell’s outfielder Jordyn Haywood throws a ball back in to the shortstop who gets the runner trying to advance to second. These key defensive plays helped Hopewell expand their lead in the game and eventually pull away with the lead.

Rochester’s Aniyah G. went 2-for-2 and, along with Alexis A., added to the team’s 10 stolen bases, but the Hopewell defense proved too solid to break through.

Hopewell 12U Navy will be back in action on Tuesday when they travel to face Rochester again in what promises to be another exciting matchup.