Hopewell Varsity Softball fight to the Final Play Against Southmoreland High School

Hopewell Vikings fought hard against Southmoreland High School losing 10-9 on Thursday on the final play of the game.

Southmoreland High School was the first to get on the board in the first with a single, scoring one run.

Hopewell Vikings made the score 4-1 in the top of the third after Kara Barkovich singled, scoring one run, Tallulah Showrank doubled, scoring two runs, and Marina Pinchotti singled, scoring one run. A true team effort with offensive production coming from the entire order.

Southmoreland High School scored one run in the bottom of the sixth on a solo home run to center field.

In the top of the tenth, the Vikings broke up the tie when Victoria Mann hit into a fielder’s choice, scoring one run as Dakota Roche had an amazing slide to avoid the tag at home plate. Then a double by Showrank followed to extend the lead to 9-5. At this point the Hopewell friends and family had roared back into the game and the rollercoaster of emotions kept going.  

Unfortunately for our Vikings Playoff Run Southmoreland turned it around in tenth, scoring five runs on three hits to take the lead, 10-9. The biggest blow in the inning was a double that drove in two runs which would be the final blow to the Vikings. 

Allison Ramaley lead off the first for the Hopewell Varsity Vikings. She allowed eight hits and four runs (one earned) over five innings, striking out two and walking none. Her pitching performance was enough to keep Southmoreland off balance in the game keeping things close for Hopewell. 

The game was tied at nine in the bottom of the tenth when a Southmoreland player singled, scoring the winning run.

Leadoff hitter Covalt led Hopewell Vikings with three hits in five at bats. Showrank went 2-for-5 at the plate and led the team with five runs batted in. Mann, Isabella Katkich, Pinchotti, and Kara Barkovich each collected multiple hits for the Hopewell Vikings. Dakota Roche paced Hopewell Vikings with three walks.

Despite the loss, Hopewell Vikings were successful at the plate collecting 13 hits in the high-scoring game. Unfortunately, the Vikings also left 16 runners on base which undoubtedly contributed to the team coming up short.

Hopewell collected nine walks for the game. Covalt stole two bases. The Vikings tallied up four stolen bases for the game. Hopewell turned one double play in the game by Marina Pinchotti at second base, catching a line drive and doubling off the runner at first. 

It was a gut wrenching loss for these ladies, as they fought hard to be here. This was the best played, most exciting game of the season and these ladies should not hang their heads at this loss as they all played remarkably well.

Final thoughts from Head Coach Ronda Koblek, “Last night’s game was an emotional rollercoaster, but we managed to keep fighting. It was very similar to our entire season—some games we were ready to play, like the Ellwood game, while others left us feeling flat. Despite these ups and downs, the girls were determined to work as a team and achieve success together. That’s what I admire most about our seniors—they are exceptional leaders who consistently kept this team in a high-performing state throughout the season. I will truly miss our seniors as they embark on a new chapter in their lives, but our journey is far from over. Travel ball is just around the corner, and all four seniors will be playing for me.” 

Look to our closing article after the end of the year banquet to wrap up this years Hopewell Varsity Vikings Season.

#VikingPride #HopewellStrong #HeartOfTheGame #HighSchoolSoftball #NeverGiveUp