Home Tags Posts tagged with "Hopewell HS Softball"
Tag:

Hopewell HS Softball

Hopewell HS Softball

Hopewell HS Softball Loses Season Opener to Neshannock, 7-1

by Mike Vukovcan
written by Mike Vukovcan 1 minutes read

NESHANNOCK– The Hopewell Softball team realized that their task on Opening Day wasn’t going to be easy.

This 2026 Hopewell team is extremely young meaning they’ll be going through plenty of growing pains this season. That plus the fact that they were on the road against one of the best programs in the WPIAL made it an extremely difficult assignment.

Unfortunately, it was a tough start as Neshannock jumped out to a 5-0 lead after 2 innings and went on to defeat Hopewell, 7-1.

A couple bright spots for the Vikings were the fact that their pitchers held Neshannock to only 2 runs in the last 4 innings of the game, along with Claire Sarkis collecting 2 hits from the leadoff spot and Abby Babinsack reaching base twice (1 hit and 1 walk).

Senior Allison Ramaley got the start for Hopewell and gave up 3 earned runs in 1.1 innings. Ramaley was relieved by Babinsack who pitched 2 innings, allowing 2 hits, 1 earned run and struck out 2. Isabella Cipolla closed out the game going 2.2 innings, allowing only 2 hits, 0 runs and struck out 2 batters. Hopewell gave up 3 unearned runs.

Hopewell (0-1) will have a couple days off before returning to action on Friday when they travel to Ellwood City.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Hopewell HS Softball

WATCH: Hopewell Softball Standout Allison Ramaley Commits to Pitt-Bradford

by Mike Vukovcan
written by Mike Vukovcan 0 minutes read

Exciting news as yet another Hopewell senior athlete will be continuing to play sports in college.

Hopewell three sport athlete Allison Ramaley has made the decision to commit to Pitt-Bradford in order to play college softball.

Ramaley, who also plays basketball and soccer at Hopewell, will instead focus on softball. Pitt-Bradford is D-III and plays in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference.

This afternoon, Vikings Sports Now had the pleasure of speaking with Ramaley about her decision and her journey to get to this point of being a future college athlete.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Hopewell HS Softball

Dakota Roche Working Hard to Become One of the Leaders and Producers on the Hopewell HS Softball Team

by Mike Vukovcan
written by Mike Vukovcan 5 minutes read

The 2026 season could be a developmental/transition season for the Hopewell HS Girls Softball team.

Hopewell head coach Ronda Koblek lost a number of core players from last season and will be looking for new players to rely on and win with. Fortunately, Hopewell’s group of freshmen is deep and talented, but varsity is different than JV.

The question is how long it will take them to get accustomed to playing against players that are many times much older than they are.

Coach Koblek will have some returning starters, including junior Dakota Roche. Like the incoming freshman this year, Roche was an inexperienced player in 2025 but will be looked at as one of the Vikings team leaders this season.

Vikings Sports Now had the pleasure of recently talking with Roche about this coming season and how she originally got involved in the sport.


“I’ve been playing softball since I was 5 years old,” Roche tells Vikings Sports Now. “Growing up, I played softball and volleyball. In middle school, I played volleyball for two years.”

“It was one of my favorite things to do but, it got to the point where I felt as though I had to pick between softball and volleyball. Basically, it was a time commitment. Open gyms for volleyball were over the summer but that’s when I was playing with my travel softball team. When having to choose between the two, I’d always select softball. I didn’t want it every to get to the point where me not being there was used against me in volleyball, so I choose to prioritize my softball career and work to get as good as I can become.”

Roche tells me that one of the reasons she’s loved softball is because of the relationships she’s been able to create with her teams and coaches. There was one other reason that she mentioned.

“Plus, I’m good at softball and it’s fun to play something that you’re good at.”


One of the reasons, Roche is good in softball is because of the year-round time she’s put into the sport. Aside from the work with the Hopewell program, she’s been involved in travel organizations such as Keystone Combat and the Pittsburgh Power over the years.

Throughout her playing career, Roche has played either catcher or third base but that changed last season. Because of necessity, the Hopewell coaching staff approached her about playing first base. Although it wasn’t something that she was necessarily comfortable with, she wasn’t about to tell her coaches No.

“I was willing to step out of my comfort zone because I wanted to get on that varsity field no matter what position it was,” said Roche. “”My biggest challenge at first base was definitely my height (5’1″).”

“At our home field, if anything got over my head and over the fence, it’s a dead ball and runner gets an extra base. So, no matter what, I had to knock down the throw and keep everything in front of me. Because of my height, it was challenging but as the year went on, I think I got better and overall did better than I thought I would. I actually love playing the position now and believe I’ll be playing it again plus catching. Actually, I think that my experience playing catcher allowed me to be a better defensive first baseman due to receiving and picking the ball.”


Roche admits that while defense is the strong point of her game, with the Vikings losing senior hitters such as Kara Barkovich, Victoria Mann, Tallulah Showrank and Bella Katkich from last season, she’ll be looked upon to become more of an offensive contributor.

“I want to be more of a power hitter this year than just being known as a contact hitter,” said Roche. “Last year, I was used a lot as a bunter and this year, I want to be in the 5 spot or middle of the order and drive in runs. I want my teammates to say ‘Oh, Dakota is up, we’re fine, she’s going to hit. I really want my teammates and coaches to have confidence in me that I’m going to get the job done.”


Aside from her high school coaches, one of the people that’s worked with Roche to become a better hitter and overall player is her mom, Shanna.

Not only is she her mom, but she was a pretty good softball player in her day as well as being a successful travel softball head coach with the Pittsburgh Power. Dakota credits her mom with not only helping her on-field game but also in the mental side, which she admits was much needed.

“My mom really worked on helping me to control my emotions and if I messed up or didn’t make a play, that’s fine because I’ll make the next play. Softball is a game of errors; you’re not going to make every play. If I mess up, I need to tell myself I’ll make the next play.”


“My mom has helped me become the player I am, and she’s really helped me on the mental side. She’s extremely tough but has been the best coach that I’ve ever had. She’s tough and isn’t afraid to push her players. She just wants anyone that plays for her to be the best player that they’re capable of being. One thing she always says to me is don’t be sorry just be better. Don’t say you’re sorry about making a mistake, just go make the next one.”

As her mom helps her, Dakota is trying to do the same thing for her twin sister, Kamryn.

Kamryn also grew up playing softball, but her development was halted a couple of seasons ago after undergoing surgery on her wrist. She’s healthy now and is working to join her sister as a contributing member of the Hopewell varsity softball.


“I try and help her with her hitting,” Roche tells VSN. “She had wrist surgery and has been out for two years, so she’s really behind. But I think she’s really getting better, and I’ll do whatever I can to help her out. I’m truly proud of how hard she’s worked to come back from this and to try to get better.”

Roche is excited to get the season started, believes the future of Hopewell softball is strong and is looking forward to helping and mentoring the many young players on the 2026 roster.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Hopewell HS Softball

Hopewell HS Softball 2026 Preseason Preview

by vikingssportsn
written by vikingssportsn 2 minutes read

Heading into the 2026 season, the Hopewell softball team will look much different than a year ago.

After graduating four seniors and welcoming eight freshmen to the roster, head coach Ronda Koblek says the early focus has been on building chemistry, leadership, and a shared team identity.

Despite the youth, Koblek is encouraged by what she has seen so far.

“This is a young group that is learning quickly,” Koblek said. “They’ve embraced the challenge of stepping into bigger roles, and you can already see the growth; not just in skills, but in how they support each other and compete every day.”

A Young Team Finding Its Identity

With so many underclassmen expected to contribute, the Vikings will rely heavily on talent, work ethic, and internal competition to shape the lineup.

Koblek believes the team’s identity will revolve around development and drive.

“There’s a lot of talent on this roster and the players are extremely coachable,” she said. “They push each other in practice and respond well to challenges. We know we have a lot to prove, but the commitment to getting better every day is there.”

That daily competition has been a key part of the offseason.

With several players capable of contributing in different roles, starting spots are far from guaranteed.

“Our lineup could change from week to week,” Koblek explained. “Players are competing hard for opportunities, and that competition is making everyone better.”

Leadership by Committee

Hopewell enters the season with just one senior, Allison Ramaley, which creates a unique leadership dynamic.

Because Ramaley is a multisport athlete, she hasn’t always been available during the offseason, but Koblek believes the experience she gained from last year’s senior class will help guide the team.

“At the same time, leadership can’t fall on just one player,” Koblek said. “We need multiple players stepping up through their voice, their effort, and the way they support their teammates.”

That shared leadership approach could ultimately become a strength for a team filled with young players eager to prove themselves.

Earning Every Opportunity

One of the central expectations Koblek has set for the team is simple: nothing will be handed out.

“No one has a locked-in starting role,” she said. “Everything is earned through effort, accountability, and consistency.”

That mentality has helped create a competitive environment in practices, something Koblek believes will pay off during the season.

“When players know opportunities have to be earned, it builds a stronger culture and keeps everyone focused on the team.”

Freshmen Ready to Make an Impact

Hopewell’s Lillian Otto

The eight-member freshman class brings an influx of talent to the program, and Koblek believes several of them could contribute right away.

The biggest hurdle, she says, is helping younger players understand they belong at the varsity level.

“Once they realize they can contribute and trust themselves, we’re going to take a big step forward,” Koblek said. “The talent is there.”

Developing the work ethic and confidence to match that talent will be key as the season unfolds.

The Path to a Successful Season

For Hopewell to put together a strong season, Koblek says the formula is simple: consistent effort and shared accountability.

“We need players to step up mentally and physically,” she said. “Leadership and responsibility aren’t tied to age. When everyone competes every day and trusts the process, success becomes something the whole team builds together.”

With a deep roster, emerging leaders, and a talented freshman class, the Vikings may be young, but the foundation for the future of Hopewell softball is already taking shape.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Hopewell HS Softball

Hopewell HS Softball Season Ends with Heartbreaking Extra Innings Loss

by Mike Vukovcan
written by Mike Vukovcan 2 minutes read

Sports can be fantastic but it can also be heartbreaking and unfortunately, that’s how things ended tonight for Hopewell.

In the 1st round of the WPIAL Softball playoffs, Hopewell suffered a painful 10-9 extra-innings loss to Southmoreland.

Aside from the final score, it was a fantastic game that had so many emotional roller-coasters as part of it.

Hopewell scored 4 runs in the top of 4th inning to take a 4-2 lead and led 4-3 going to the 6th inning. The Lady Vikings then took a 5-3 but to their credit, every time Hopewell got some momentum, Southmoreland responded. For example, After Hopewell scored 4 in the third inning to take a 4-1 lead, Southmoreland responded with 2 runs. Then in the 6th inning, Hopewell scored a run to go up 2 runs and Southmoreland answered with a run of their own.

So the game went to the last inning and Hopewell needed 3 outs to advance to the 2nd round but Southmoreland was clutch and scored a run to tie the game at 5-5.

To their credit, Hopewell could’ve folded but didn’t. In that bottom of the 7th inning, Southmoreland had the winning run at 3rd base with 1 out but Alana Covalt struck out the next two batters to force extra innings.

Things got exciting in extra innings. In the bottom of the 8th inning, Southmoreland’s leadoff hitter walked and eventually tried to steal second base. However, Hopewell catcher Victoria Mann gunned her out trying to steal, killing that threat.

In the top of the 9th inning, Dakota Roche walked and advanced to 3rd with 2 outs but was stranded.

More drama in the bottom of the 9th inning, Southmoreland got runners to 2nd and 3rd with only 1 out. The next batter flew out to short center field, Marina Pinchotti caught the ball and the Southmoreland runner at 3rd tried to tag up, however, gunned it to Mann at home, who applied the tag for the double play.

In the top of the 10th inning, Hopewell looked to break things open by scoring 4 runs. After scoring a run on a fielders choice, Hopewell got runners to 2nd and 3rd with 1 out. Southmoreland then decided to intentionally walk Kara Barkovich to load the bases. Tallulah Showrank then showed them that was a bad decision as she hit a bases clearing double to put Hopewell up 9-5.

Unfortunately, as they did all game, the Southmoreland team answered with a 5 run bottom of the 10th inning to win an outstanding playoff game.

Southmoreland now advances to take on No. 2 seed Mohawk.

For Hopewell, it’s the end of the season and the end of 4 seniors careers- Victoria Mann, Kara Barkovich, Isabella Katkich and Tallula Showrank. Each of those hitters finished tonight with 2 hits and Mann and Barkovich collected an RBI.

1 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Hopewell HS Softball

HC Ronda Koblek and the Hopewell HS Softball Team Ready and Excited for 2025 WPIAL Playoffs

by Mike Vukovcan
written by Mike Vukovcan 3 minutes read

The ‘Second Season’ starts tonight for head coach Ronda Koblek and the Hopewell Vikings varsity softball team.

Tonight, the Vikings will take on Southmoreland in the 1st round of the WPIAL Playoffs.

Hopewell finished the season with a record of 11-7, tied for their most wins in 10+ seasons and are heading into the playoffs on roll.

Coach Koblek’s team has won 5 in a row and 6 of their last 7 games. Included in that was their most impressive win of the season, a 6-1 road win over Ellwood City, which is the No. 3 seed in the playoffs.

Hopewell was given a No. seed and will take on No. 10 seed Southmoreland. Regardless of the seed and the opponent, Coach Koblek is pleased with this season, the effort she received from her players and the future of the program.

“We’re definitely where we thought we would be,” Koblek told Vikings Sports Now. “We are in the toughest section in 3A. If you take a look at the placement of our section, the No. 2, 3 and 4 seeds all come our section. Having teams like Ellwood, Avonworth and Mohawk is a challenge, and we have to battle extremely hard against strong competition all season long, but we have a very strong team.”

Courtesy Hopewell HS Softball

“We lost three very good seniors last year especially pitching and Chloe at shortstop and Ava at third base. So, we had some big shoes to fill. Coming into this season, Avonworth and Mohawk didn’t lose anyone, and we did. So, I’m proud of our girls and thought they’ve played extremely hard this season. The key for us is confidence. We need to just believe in ourselves and the skill that we have because we can beat anyone, and they know it. That’s what we’re always striving to build is the confidence in the girls to make sure they believe in themselves and how good they really are.”

The one game that really gave this team confidence was beating a perennial power like Ellwood City. Koblek is hoping that game along with the way they finished the season will allow them to go on a little run in the playoffs.

“Beating them (Ellwood City) proved to my girls that if we come with the right mindset that we can beat anybody,” said Koblek. “They’re definitely excited for their first playoff game against Southmoreland. We’ve watched them play on video and we know that we can beat them. I strongly believe that this team is playing their best softball and I’m very confident heading into this game against Southmoreland and hopefully the girls can bring the same mentality that they did against Ellwood.”

This 2025 WPIAL Playoffs will be the final run for the 4 seniors on Hopewell’s roster- Victoria Mann, Kara Barkovich, Isabella Katkich, Tallula Showrank and Koblek is glad that they’re getting this final chance to experience the postseason and hopes it’s a memorable one.

“One of the things that I realize with the four seniors that I have this year is how much they stepped up, not only playing wise with their skill but also with their leadership,” said Koblek. “They’re the ones that keep the team strong. There’s no drama on our team. The team gets along, they stick together, they have each other’s back, no talking behind each other’s backs. That’s what makes our team strong, and it builds a culture for Hopewell softball that makes girls wanna play. Not only is this team good but they’re having fun doing it. Those four seniors really kept this team together, which really made us good.”

“Our four seniors are going to be very hard to replace, one of them is a 4-year starter and the other three are 3-year starters. They’ll be hard shoes to fill, no doubt about that. But we have talent coming in the incoming freshman class and I think that they have the maturity needed to compete. It’s going to be about getting those freshmen set on the mentality that we’re trying to have on this team so that we can be bring the best talent forward. It can’t be about ‘I” it has to be about team and that will be the biggest challenge that I have every year when freshmen come in. They need to realize that this is a team and not just one individual person.”

In case you want to make a road trip to check this team out, tonight’s game will begin at 7 PM from Trinity High School.

Best of Luck!

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Hopewell HS Softball

Hopewell HS Softball Finishes Regular Season with Dominating Win Over Sewickley Academy

by Mike Vukovcan
written by Mike Vukovcan 1 minutes read

Any team heading into the playoffs would like to do so on a roll and that’s certainly the case with the Hopewell HS Girls Softball team.

The Lady Vikings closed out their regular season this afternoon at home against Sewickley Academy and walked way with a 13-0 victory. With the win, Hopewell finishes the season on a 5-game winning streak and have won 6 of their last 7 games.

Because of the lopsided score, the game only went 5 innings and Hopewell only got 4 at-bats.

It was only hitting that on the last home game for Hopewell seniors that two of them had huge games.

Senior sluggers Victoria Mann and Kara Barkovic had huge game going a combined 5 for 7 with 2 HR and 7 RBI.

Sophomore Alana Covalt continued her hot hitting going 2-4, with 2 runs and 2 RBI.

On the mound, Covalt and Allison Ramaley combined to go 5 innings, allowing just 3 hits, 0 runs and 6 strikeouts.

Next up for Hopewell is a first round playoff matchup on Tuesday night against Southmoreland.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Hopewell HS Softball

Hopewell Softball Defeats Moon, 4th Straight Win

by Mike Vukovcan
written by Mike Vukovcan 1 minutes read

Moon Township- The Hopewell High School Softball team is on a roll.

This afternoon, the Lady Vikings defeated the Moon Tigers, 10-2, which is their 4th consecutive win and 5 of their last 6.

With the win, Hopewell improves their overall record to 10-7.

Hopewell scored in the first three innings and jumped out to 7-0 lead and cruised to the win.

Junior Allison Ramaley got the start and pitched her best game of the season. Ramaley pitched a complete game, going 7 innings, allowing 6 hits, 2 runs (0 earned runs), 0 walks and struck out 3. Allison threw 77 pitches, 52 of which were strikes.

The Hopewell offense banged out 14 hits and were led by Tallulah Showrank and Victoria Mann with 3 hits apiece, while Marina Pinchotti, Alana Covalt and Ramaley each had 2. Isabella Katkich and Dakota Roche each had 1 hit.

Hopewell jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning. Mann doubled in Ramaley to give Hopewell a 1-0 lead. Then with 2 outs, Showrank tripled to right field scoring Katkich and Claire Sarkis. Next up, Roche kept things going with an RBI single scoring Showrank.

After Ramaley pitched a scoreless bottom of the first, Hopewell added another run in the second courtesy am RBI triple by Mann, which scored Ramaley. Hopewell led 5-0.

In the top of the 3rd inning, more clutch hitting as Covalt doubled in Showrank and Pinchotti, extending Hopewell’s lead to 7-0.

In the top of the 5th inning, with 2 on and 2 out, Ramaley singled bringing in Pinchotti and Covalt, Hopewell now led 9-1.

Ramaley cruised the rest of the way and Hopewell left Moon with a 10-2 win.

Hopewell closes out their regular season with a home game tomorrow against Sewickley Academy. First pitch from Hopewell High School is set for 4 PM.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Hopewell HS Softball

Hopewell Softball Shuts Out Gateway, 10-0, 3rd Straight Win

by Mike Vukovcan
written by Mike Vukovcan 2 minutes read

Don’t look now but the Hopewell Vikings HS Softball team is getting hot at the perfect time of the season.

This afternoon, Hopewell kept up their strong play with a 10-0 road win over Gateway. With the win, the Lady Vikings moved their overall record to 9-7 and have now won 3 in a row and 4 of their last 5 games.

Like was the case yesterday on the road against Ellwood City, Hopewell was strong in all 3 elements of the game- offense, pitching and defense.

For the second straight game, Hopewell didn’t commit an error in the field. On the mound, Allison Ramaley was able to blank the Gators, going 5 innings, allowing only 4 hits, 0 runs and striking out 7 batters. The trio of Ramaley, Victoria Mann and Tallulah Showrank paced the way for the Hopewell offense.

GAME RECAP:
Top of 1st inning: Hopewell set the tone for the game in their first at-bats as they were able to put up 4 early runs. After 2 outs, Mann was hit by a pitch, Isabella Katkich and Kara Barkovich walked to load the bases for Showrank, who was hit by a pitch to bring in Mann, Hopewell led 1-0. Next up, Dakota Roche was also hit to bring in Katkich. Hopewell led 2-0. Instead of getting hit, Marina Pinchotti did the hitting as she smacked a single to right field, which brought in Barkovich and Showrank. Hopewell led 4-0 after the 1st inning.

Bottom of 1st inning: Gateway got 2 runners on with 2 outs but Ramaley got out of the inning by getting a fly out to Teagan Scully in right field.

Bottom of the 2nd inning: Ramaley made quick work of the Gateway hitters as she struck out 2 batters and the final out on a groundout to Barkovich at third base. Hopewell 4-0.

Bottom of the 3rd inning: Another easy frame as Ramaley struck out the first two batters and after allowing a single, Allison got the final out on a line drive to Showrank in center field.z

Top of the 4th inning: 3 more runs from the Hopewell offense. The first 5 batters of the inning drew a walk, the final one was Barkovich, which brought in Ramaley. Hopewell led 5-0. Next up, Showrank doubled to center field, which brought in Mann and Katkich. Hopewell led 7-0.

Bottom of the 4th: Ramaley didn’t have to labor at any point in this game, having thrown 68 pitches in 5 innings. In this inning, Ramaley recorded two more strikeouts, along with a groundout from Katkich to Mann at first base.

Top of the 5th inning: With the bases loaded and 0 out, Ramaley smacked a 2-run double to center scoring Covalt and Kamryn Roche, Hopewell led 9-0. Next up, Mann doubled in Ramaley for the final run of the game, Hopewell led 10-0.

Bottom of the 5th inning: Leading by 10 runs in the 5th inning, Hopewell needed only 3 more outs for the win and got them. Ramaley struck out the first batter, the second out came via a pop up to Mann at first and the game ended on a groundout to Mann, who flipped to Ramaley.

FINAL SCORE: HOPEWELL 10 GATEWAY 0

WINNING IS FUN!!!

Hopewell closes out the 2025 regular season next week with 3 non-section games, the first of which is Monday at home against Riverside.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Hopewell HS Softball

Hopewell HS Softball Defeats Ellwood City for Most Impressive Win of Season

by Mike Vukovcan
written by Mike Vukovcan 3 minutes read

The Hopewell Vikings HS softball team finished up section play with arguably their most impressive win of the season.

The Lady Vikings went on the road and defeated Ellwood City, 6-1, with a balanced performance both offensively and defensively.

Hopewell didn’t commit an error in the field, got strong pitching from sophomore Alana Covalt and production from the middle of their order, in particular Victoria Mann and Isabella Katkich.

Courtesy Hopewell Softball

Hopewell’s record now stands at 8-7 overall and 5-5 in Class 3A/Section 2. That record has them finishing in 4th place, behind Mohawk (9-1), Avonworth (6-3) and Ellwood City (6-3). That 4th place finish has cliched a spot in the playoffs for Hopewell.

GAME RECAP-
Bottom of the 2nd: Ellwood City scored a run in the bottom of the first inning and after that, Covalt completely shut them down and blanked them the rest of the way. With runners at 1st and 2nd with 2 outs, Covalt got out of this jam with ending the inning on a ground ball to Kara Barkovich at third base. Ellwood City 1-0.

Bottom of the 3rd: Covalt struck out the first two batters and the third out on a fly ball to Marina Pinchotti in left field.

Top of the 4th: Hopewell looked to get on the board as Katkich doubled and Barkovich walked with 1 out. However, credit Ellwood City for getting out of this situation and remained in front 1-0.

Bottom of the 4th: Because her team still trailed, Covalt needed to stay strong, and she did just that with another strong inning.  The inning started with a groundout to Katkich at shortstop. Following a walk, Covalt ended the inning with consecutive strikeouts.

Top of the 5th: The Lady Vikings finally got on the board by putting up a crooked number. Pinchotti started the inning by reaching on an error and advanced to 3rd on a sacrifice bunt by Teagan Scully. Next up, Covalt laid down a bunt single, which brought in Pinchotti. The game was now tied at 1. The big hit of the inning and the game then took place with 2 outs as Mann blasted a home run to center field, scoring Covalt. Hopewell led 3-1. Next up, Katkich did the same thing as she smacked a solo HR to center. Hopewell led 4-1.

Bottom of the 5th: That 3 run lead was more than enough for Covalt. In this frame, good Vikings defense ended a potential threat. With a runner on first and no outs, Covalt fielded a ground ball and threw out the runner at first to Dakota Roche, who then fired a strike to Barkovich at third getting the runner attempting to advance on the groundout.

Top of the 6th: Hopewell added 2 more runs to pad their lead. Covalt doubled to center with 1 out. Following a walk to Mann, Katkich delivered again, this time with a double down the third base line, which scored Covalt. Hopewell led 5-1. Hopewell would add another run on a passed ball to take a 6-1 lead.

Bottom of the 6th: Ellwood City got a 1-out double but that runner was stranded as Covalt struck out the next two batters. Hopewell led 6-1.

Bottom of the 7th: Ellwood City had one more chance to tie the game but that didn’t happen. Covalt struck out the first batter of the inning, followed by a pop up to Allison Ramaley at second base. Following a 2-out single, the game ended on a line out to Ramaley at second.

FINAL SCORE: HOPEWELL 6 ELLWOOD CITY 1

WINNING IS FUN!!!

Statistics:
*Covalt pitched the best game of her young career going 7 innings, allowing 7 hits, 1 run, 3 walks and struck out 9.

*Katkich: 3 for 4, 1 run, 2 RBI, 2 doubles and a HR.

*Mann: 1-3, 2 RBI, Walk, Homerun

*Covalt: 2 for 4, 2 runs, 1 RBI

Hopewell will be back in action this afternoon as they travel to Gateway. Then next week, they close out the regular season with 3 non-section games against Riverside, Moon and Sewickley Academy.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts