🥎 Hopewell Junior High Softball: A Season Begins with Heart, Talent & a Strong Foundation 🌟

The Hopewell Junior High Vikings softball team opened their 2026 season this week, taking the field with a mix of experienced leadership and exciting new talent. Facing a tough South Fayette team in their opener, the Vikings showed resilience, hustle, and flashes of the potential that will define their season.

From aggressive baserunning to strong efforts in the circle, Hopewell demonstrated the building blocks of a competitive team. Alyssa Phillips and Madison Santamaria combined for a solid pitching effort, with Santamaria delivering an especially strong relief appearance. At the plate, Phillips, Santamaria, and Sam Holsinger each recorded hits, while Brooke Otto drove in the Vikings’ first run of the season. On the bases, Holsinger and Lily Cain set the tone with aggressive, confident running—an identity this team looks ready to embrace.

But beyond the box score, this year’s team is defined by its balance of veteran presence and new energy. Here’s a closer look at the athletes who will lead the way this season:

🔷 8th Grade Leaders

• Lily Cain – A versatile outfielder and second baseman, Cain brings athleticism from multiple sports, including volleyball. She plays travel softball with Silver Creek and continues to build on her Hopewell Rec and Junior High experience.

• Samantha Holsinger – A key presence behind the plate and in the infield, Holsinger is a multi-sport athlete and a member of the Lady Road Runners travel team. Her experience and leadership enter their second year at the Junior High level.

• Brooke Otto – An outfielder with strong instincts, Otto also competes in volleyball and plays travel softball with the Lady Road Runners. She returns for her second season after developing through Hopewell Rec.

• Alyssa Phillips – A leader in the circle, Phillips is a multi-sport athlete who also plays volleyball and competes with the Rage travel softball team. Now in her second Junior High season, she brings experience and toughness to the pitching staff.

• Summer Shreve – A steady presence at second base, Shreve continues to build on her foundation from Hopewell Rec softball as she enters her second year with the Junior High program.

• Lacy Soltis – A catcher with strong defensive skills, Soltis plays travel softball with the Predators and brings valuable experience into her second season at the Junior High level.

🔶 7th Grade Newcomers

• Sofia Cronin – A first baseman and pitcher with a solid rec softball background, Cronin steps into her first Junior High season ready to contribute and grow. A multi sport athlete that also plays basketball.

• Rilynn Davis – A versatile utility player and middle infielder, Davis brings a unique background from Hopewell Rec baseball, adding athleticism and adaptability to the roster.

• Adelynn Gray – Capable in both the outfield and at shortstop, Gray enters her first season after developing through Hopewell Rec softball.

• Madison Santamaria – One of the team’s most versatile players, Santamaria contributes as a pitcher, catcher, and third baseman. A Silver Creek travel player and cross country runner, she brings energy and competitive drive to her first Junior High season.

• Eden Shanahan – New to the game, Shanahan brings enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, representing the future of the program as she begins her softball journey.
• Tayla Schwartzmiller – A second baseman, shortstop and pitcher with a solid rec softball background, Tay Tay steps into this Junior High season ready to contribute and grow. If you need a lead off speedster she’s your go to on the bases and in the lead off role.

This group represents the future of Hopewell softball—built on development, effort, and a love for the game. A common thread throughout this team, and across the entire Hopewell softball program, is the strength of its feeder system. Many of these athletes began in Hopewell Rec, where fundamentals, confidence, and passion for the game are developed early. That pipeline continues to play a critical role in preparing young players to transition into competitive school softball, and it’s clearly paying off as these athletes grow together at the Junior High level. With strong leadership from the 8th graders and a promising class of newcomers, the Vikings are laying the groundwork for a successful season ahead.

As they prepare for their next matchup against Montour, one thing is clear: this team is growing, improving, and just getting started.