Mike Vukovcan It was only fitting that on Senior Day, all four of Hopewell’s seniors played a big role in the Vikings 11-4 victory over Quaker Valley.
Isabella Katkich, Tallula Showrank, Victoria Mann and Kara Barkovich were honored before the game and then once the game started, turned into outstandings performances to lead Hopewell’s offense.
The victory improved Hopewell’s record to 5-4 and to 2-2 in section play.
Hopewell’s 4 seniors went a combined 5 for 12, with 6 runs, 6 RBI and 4 Walks.
The Lady Vikings jumped out a 7-2 lead after 4 innings, which gave their pitchers the cushion they needed
On the mound, Alana Covalt got the start and pitched the first 4 innings. The sophomore right-hander allowed just 4 hits, 2 earned runs, 3 walks and struck out 4 batters. Junior Allison Ramaley pitched the last 3 innings, allowed only 1 hit, 2 runs (0 earned runs), 1 walk and struck out 4.
Hopewell’s Allison Ramaley
Taking a look at some big plays in the today’s game, with Hopewell leading 2-1 in the bottom of the second inning, Covalt made it 3-1 with a 2-out RBI single which scored Teagan Scully.
Hopewell went to the bottom of the fourth inning leading 3-2 and added 4 more runs, all of which came with 2 outs. The first two runs scored on a single to left by Katkich. Then after Barkovich walked, Mann singled to left, which scored both Katkich and Barkovich. Hopewell led 7-2 after four innings.
In the top of the 5th, after her offense put up four runs, Ramaley did her job as she retired Quaker Valley 1-2-3, courtesy a pop-up to Katkich at shortstop, a ground ball to Covalt at second and ending the inning with a strikeout.
After Quaker Valley scored 2 unearned runs in the top of the sixth inning, the Lady Vikings responded in the bottom of the frame with 4 more runs.
With 2 on and 0 out, Showrank produced 2-run single, which scored Barkovich and Mann to make it 9-4. Next up, Ramaley hit a line drive triple to right field, which scored Showrank.
Ramaley went to the final inning with a seven-run lead and made short work of Quaker Valley as Ramaley fielded the first out on a pop up back to the mound. After that, Allison struck out the second QV hitter and the game ended on a ground out to Katkich at shortstop.
Vikings Win!
No rest for Hopewell as they take on Ellwood City tomorrow at home in a very important section game. First pitch is set for 4 PM.
