HV Varsity Softball Works Hard in Offseason- Ronda Koblek Weighs In

No doubt about it — Viking Softball is putting in the work this offseason. With weekly practices and Sunday friendlies, this group of athletes is staying sharp and preparing strategically for a strong spring season. 💛💙🥎

We have their Sunday recap below and spoke to Coach Ronda Koblek about how truly important the offseason is for her group of athletes.

VIKINGS DOMINATE WITH WEEKEND SWEEP! 💛

The Hopewell Varsity Vikings stayed hot on Sunday, taking two big wins over Slippery Rock and showing off both power at the plate and depth in the circle.

🔥 Game 1: Hopewell 14 – Slippery Rock 7

The Vikings struck early and often, exploding for 8 runs in the 2nd inning. Abby Babinsack powered the lineup with 4 RBIs, while Mutkus went 2-for-3 with an RBI double. Hopewell added more in the 3rd with an RBI from Gianna Rossi and a sac fly from Babinsack. The Vikings worked the count again, drawing 10 walks, led by Rossi, Madeline Earley, and Lillian Otto. On the mound, Hopewell used a strong rotation — Covalt, Pavlisko, and Hartle combined for 8 strikeouts, with Hartle picking up the win.

🔥 Game 2: Hopewell 12 – Slippery Rock 4

After falling behind early, the Vikings broke it open in the 4th with six runs, capped by an Alana Covalt 4-RBI triple which ended in an impressive inside of the park home run (Covalt gets the grand slam in our books). The bats kept rolling in the 5th with five more runs thanks to patience at the plate and clutch hitting from Izzy Mutkus, Addison Pavlisko, Ellasaundra Hartle, and Maddison Pontis. Covalt, Mutkus, and Pontis all finished with two hits each, and Hopewell drew an impressive 12 walks. Covalt picked up the win in the circle with 4 strikeouts.

👉 Across both games, Hopewell’s offense was relentless — 26 runs, 22 walks, and big hits up and down the lineup.

Chatting with Coach Ronda:

The fall season is an opportune time for freshmen and returning players to demonstrate their abilities and alignment with the team’s objectives to the coaching staff.

In this capacity, the time spent with the freshmen serves as an evaluation of their skills, abilities, and leadership qualities. Similarly, it provides an opportunity for returning players to showcase their progress in both skill development and leadership.

As is widely acknowledged, our coaching staff prioritizes team cohesion and mutual support. While skills are undoubtedly important, they are not the sole determinants of success. The fall season will serve as a valuable resource for us to identify areas for improvement during the off-season preparation for the spring.

Next up: The Vikings hit the road for a rematch at Slippery Rock next Sunday.

💛💙 Keep rolling, Vikings!