Hopewell Junior High Softball

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP- The Hopewell Junior High Softball team ended a 3-game losing streak with an impressive doubleheader sweep over Freedom.

The two wins were even more impressive considering they had to play both games without starting catcher and middle of the lineup hitter Lillian Otto, who was out with an illness. That speaks to the depth of this Hopewell team, which is impressive.

In Game One, Hopewell won by the score of 10-6 and followed that up with a 4-3 win in Game Two.

In the opener, Hopewell was able to score in every inning, while keeping the Lady Bulldogs scoreless in 3 of the 5 innings.

Leading the way offensively in Game 1 were Brooke Otto with 2 hits and an RBI, Alyssa Phillips with 2 hits, 2 RBI and 3 runs scored and Lily Cain with 2 hits and an RBI.

Phillips also did the job on the mound for Hopewell as she pitched all 5 innings, allowing just 5 hits, 1 earned run and striking out 9 batters.

GAME ONE RECAP-

Bottom of the First: Sam Holsinger led off the game with a walk and would come around to score on an RBI double by Abby Babinsack. Hopewell led 1-0.

Bottom of the Second: Freedom scored 4 runs in the top of the second, but Hopewell was able to chip away at the deficit. With 1 out, Phillips double to left field and then scored following an RBI single by Cain. Freedom led 4-2.

Top of the Third: Freedom looked to add more runs as they got runners on with 2 outs, but Phillips ended their hopes by ending the frame with a strikeout.

Bottom of the Third: Hopewell retook the lead with a big 4-run third inning. Babinsack would draw a walk and would score courtesy an error by Freedom. Next up, Otto laid down a bunt single, which brought in Izzy Mutkus. The game was now tied at 4. Following a walk to Lacy Soltis, Phillips came through with an RBI single to score Otto. Hopewell retook the lead 5-4.  Later in the inning, with the bases loaded and 2 outs, Holsinger had a tremendous at-bat, where she would foul off 7 pitches before eventually drawing a walk which brought in Phillips. Hopewell led 6-4.

Top of the Fourth: After her team got her the lead back, Phillips went out in this inning and set Freedom down 1-2-3: liner back to the mound, a strikeout and a groundout to Mutkus at 3rd base.

Bottom of the Fourth: Hopewell put the game out of reach with 4 more runs. Mutkus and Otto led off the inning with singles. After moving up to 2nd and 3rd, Mutkus stole home to give Hopewell a 3-run lead. Next up, Soltis came through with an RBI single to score Otto, Hopewell led 8-4. Hopewell would go on to score two more unearned runs to take a 10-4 lead.

Top of the Fifth: Freedom would score 2 runs to get within 4 runs but Phillips ended the game with consecutive strikeouts.

GAME ONE FINAL- HOPEWELL 10 FREEDOM 6

GAME TWO RECAP-

In Game Two, there wasn’t as much offense but behind a 3-run third inning, Hopewell was able to secure a 4-3 victory. This was a game where Hopewell needed the pitching to come through and Babinsack was able to step up and pitch 4 scoreless innings.

Top of the Second: Freedom jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning and that’s when Babinsack entered in the second and shutdown Freedom the rest of the way. She punched out the first two batters and the third out in this inning came from a grounder to second baseman Alyssa Gray.

Top of the 3rd: Freedom still led 3-0 so Babinsack needed to stay strong on the mound. After striking out the first batter, the next two Freedom batters reached but Abby then recorded another strikeout and fielded a grounder back to the mound to end the third.

Bottom of the 3rd:  With 2 outs, Hopewell went to work and put up a 3 spot. Mutkus singled and would come around to score on a grounder from Gianna Rossi which was ruled an error. Brooke Otto came to the plate and roped a double to center field, which brought in Rossi. That was followed by an RBI triple by Babinsack to score Otto. The game was now tied at 3.

Top of the 4th: Nice Hopewell defense in this inning. After the Freedom leadoff hitter walked, the next hitter hit a line drive to third baseman Mutkus, who caught it and fired across to Lily Enders at first for the double play. Babinsack then ended the inning with another strikeout.

Top of the 5th: The game went to the last inning tied and Babinsack set down Freedom 1-2-3 in the fifth, two of the outs coming on ground balls to Mutkus at third.

Bottom of the 5th: The Lady Vikings had a chance to end the game with a walk-off win and that’s exactly what they did. Mutkus hit a hard double to left field and after advancing to third on a passed ball, would score on a dropped third strike.

VIKINGS WIN 4-3!!

No rest for these ladies as they’re back on the field this afternoon when they travel to West Allegheny.

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP– Sports can be great but they can also be heartbreaking and unfortunately the Hopewell Junior High Softball team dealt with the later this afternoon.

In Game One of a double-header against Central Valley, the Lady Vikings looked as though they were on their way to a victory but that’s not how things ended. Hopewell led by 3 runs with 2 outs in the last inning but Central Valley didn’t quit and went on to score 4 runs enroute to a 10-9 come from behind victory.

Hopewell is coming close lately but not getting any breaks. Last Monday against Blackhawk, Hopewell led 16-11 with 2 outs in the last inning only to see Blackhawk go on to score 6 runs to win 17-16.

This Hopewell team is talented and will no doubt learn from these tough outcomes. They’re obviously in position to win, now it’s just a matter of getting that 3rd out in the final inning.

In Game 2 of the double-header, with the score tied 5-5 in the top of the 4th inning, CV scored 6 runs in the last two innings to come away with an 11-6 victory. The highlights in this game were a Homerun by Lillian Otto and Lilly Beron and Lacy Soltis each registering 2 RBIs.

Hopewell’s Lillian Otto

Keep in mind in high school and junior high double headers, the games are only 5 innings instead of the normal 7 innings.

GAME ONE HIGHLIGHTS:
*Bottom of the First: Central Valley scored 3 runs in the top of the 1st inning but Hopewell cut into that lead in their first at-bats. Gianna Rossi led off the game with a single to left field and after advancing to third on an error and a groundout, Rossi scored on an RBI ground out by Brooke Otto. Central Valley 3-1.

*Bottom of the Second: After a scoreless second by Hopewell starter Bella Cipolla, which included 2 strikeouts, Hopewell tied the game in the bottom of the second. Lillian Otto led off with a single and advanced to second on an error. Otto then scored on a deep double to center field by Abby Babinsack. Abby would then score on another error by CV. Game tied 3-3.

*Top of the Third: Cipolla put up another zero with a sold inning. First out came following a groundout to Brooke Otto at third base. Shortstop Izzy Matkus then made two catches to end the inning with the game still tied at 3.

Hopewell’s Bella Cipolla

*Bottom of the Third: Hopewell took the lead, and a terrible break prevented them from adding a couple more. With 1 out, Brooke Otto singled to right field and would come around to score on a deep home run to center field by Matkus. This home run by Izzy was an absolute bomb. Hopewell took their first lead 5-3.

Hopewell’s Izzy Mutkus

Next up, Lillian Otto collected a single to left field. In game one, Otto racked up 3 hits in 4 at-bats. This where Hopewell ran into bad luck and arguably as the turning point of the game. With Otto on first, Babinsack looked to have a home run as she crushed it to center field. It looked to be a carbon copy of Matkus blast earlier in the inning, however, the battle hit off the very, very, very top of the fence and instead of the ball tipping backwards, it dropped straight forward. Instead of a homerun, Babinsack got a double with Otto advancing to third. Unfortunately for Hopewell, they couldn’t bring home another run. Instead of leading 7-3, Hopewell only led 5-3.

*Top of the Fourth, CV retook the lead on a 2-out, 3 run-HR by Powell, which was her second homerun of the game. CV retook the lead 6-5.

*Bottom of the Fourth, Hopewell wasn’t flustered and responded with 4 runs. Rossi reached on a fielding error, which also scored Lily Cain, and the game was tied at 6. Hopewell then got some 2-out magic of their own as Lillian Otto came up clutch with a single to left field, which scored Rossi and Sam Holsinger. Hopewell led 8-6. Otto would then score on an RBI single by Babinsack. The middle of Hopewell’s lineup produced as their 3, 4, 5 and 6 hitters (B. Otto, Mutkus, Otto and Babinsack) went 8-for-13 (two doubles, HR) and 7 RBIs.

As mentioned earlier, CV didn’t die and scored 4 runs with 2 outs in their final at-bats.

FINAL SCORE: CENTRAL VALLEY 10 HOPEWELL 9 (5 Innings)

The Hopewell Junior High team returns to action on Thursday as they’ll host South Fayette with the first pitch set for 4 PM>

Weather has played havoc with many of our sports teams as games have been cancelled due to the rain or the conditions of the fields due to the previous rain.

The bottom line is that it’s been difficult to get games in and a challenge to try and reschedule them.

On Wednesday, the Hopewell Junior High Softball team hosted the Beaver Bobcats in a double-header, and it was a split- each team coming away with one victory. Hopewell won Game One, 7-1, with Beaver winning Game Two, 8-1. Keep in mind, when high school or junior high teams play a double-header, the games are only 5 innings, not the normal 7.

In Game One, after Beaver scored the first run of the game in the top of the first inning, Hopewell went on to score the last 7 runs and shut out Beaver the rest of the way.

The combination of Alyssa Phillips and Bella Cipolla were on the mound for Hopewell, with Phillips going 3 innings, allowing 3 hits, 1 earned run and striking out 6 batters. Cipolla entered in the 4th inning and pitched the last 2 frames, allowing only 1 hit, 0 earned runs and striking out 2 batters.

Phillips did a great job in the opening inning limiting damage. With one run already in, Beaver was threatening for more as they had the bases loaded and only 1 out but Phillips went on to strike out the last two batters.

The Lady Vikings responded for a run of their own in the bottom of the first courtesy a 2-out RBI single by Izzy Mutkus, which brought in Gianna Rossi. The score was tied at 1. In the same inning, Mutkus stole second base and would score on an error by the Beaver CF. Hopewell led 2-1.

For the second straight inning, Beaver threatened to score but Phillips came up big. The Bobcats had runners at 2nd and 3rd with 2 out but once again, Phillips struck out the batter to end the frame. Hopewell still led 2-1.

In the bottom of the third inning, Hopewell broke the game open by scoring 4 runs and all of that happened with 2 outs.

Lillian Otto singled to right field, followed by a walk to Abby Babinsack. Next up, Lilly Enders reached on an error by Beaver, which allowed Otto to score. Hopewell led 3-1.  Next up, Sienna Zon singled to center, which brought in Babinsack and Hopewell now led 4-1. The final run in the 3rd inning scored following Enders stealing home.

Cipolla came on to pitch in the top of the 4th inning and came up with a big out. Beaver had two runners on with 2 out but Cipolla ended the inning following a pop up to Brooke Otto at 3rd base.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, Hopewell added a couple insurance runs and once again, they came after 2 outs. So, in this game, all seven of Hopewell’s run came home after 2 outs. That’s called clutch hitting.

The example of clutch hitting in this inning came from Babinsack, who singled to left field, bringing in Sam Holsinger and Brooke Otto. Hopewell now led 7-1.

In the final inning, Beaver put on a couple of runners, but the game ended on a ground ball back to Cipolla at the pitcher’s mound.

HOPEWELL WINS GAME ONE OVER BEAVER 7-1

The Junior High softball team improved their record to 3-3-1 and will be off for Easter break and next return to action on Tuesday as they host Central Valley at 4 PM.

Although the scoreboard counted it as a loss, the Hopewell Junior High Softball team have a lot to be proud of and encouraged by with their performance this afternoon.

Hopewell went on the road to take on a solid Blackhawk team and battled to the last batter but came up one-run short, 17-16.

Give credit to Blackhawk too as they showed guts and a no-quit attitude as they scored 6 runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, all of which came with 2 outs.

The big hit was a grand slam by Ava Elich, who finished the game with 6 RBIs.

Despite the loss, Hopewell has plenty to be encourage md by such as the Vikings hitters out-hitting Blackhawk, 20-15. They also only struck out 7 times in 47 plate appearances.

Leading the way at the late were Lillian Otto , who went 4-for-5 with 3 RBI and Abby Babinsack who also collected 4 hits and 1 RBI.

Other Viking standouts were Brooke Otto, who was 3-4, with 3 runs, 1 walk and 1 RBI, Sam Holsinger who banged out 2 hits, 2 runs, 2 RBIs and 2 walks, Gianni Rossi with 2 hits , 3 runs and Izzy Mutkus with 2 hits, 2 runs and 3 RBI. Left fielder Lilly Enders collected 2 RBI, 1 hit and 1 walk.

Hopewell’s record is now 2-2-1 and will return to game action on Wednesday as they host Beaver.

The future is bright for Hopewell Softball, and expectations are high for a successful season. Many of the girls have been playing together for 6+ years and are part of reputable travel teams, creating a lot of depth to both the offensive and defensive lineup. There is speed, power, pitching consistency, and reliable defense to make this a winning season.

To kick off the Hopewell Junior High School Softball season, I would like to introduce the coaching staff and 8th graders, who will be moving up to the high school level.

Bill Boggs, Head Coach

1. How many years have you been coaching?

A: “This is my 24th straight year of coaching softball.”

2. How do you feel about this season?

A: “I am excited this year because this could possibly be the strongest roster I have had now in my 4th year at Hopewell.”

3. What is your favorite softball memory?

A: “My favorite softball memory was in 2019 season when I was still head coach for Freedom varsity and we set the record for most wins in a season, won two WPIAL playoff games making it to the WPIAL Semifinals which qualified us for the PIAA playoffs, although we lost 9-1 in Dubois. That season my pitcher and catcher were co-players of the year for Beaver County Times and we had several players make 1st team all WPIAL and 1st and 2nd team on all PIAA state teams. To cap it off I was named coach of the year. It was a season I will never forget and always cherish.”

Holly Baughman, Asst. Coach

1. How many years have you been coaching?

A: “I have coached college at Franciscan University from 2015-2020 and Carlow University from 2008-2012.” Total years of coaching – over 25 years

2. How do you feel about this season?

A: “I am always very excited to coach new girls every year, seeing them grow throughout the season is something special. As for the returning girls, I enjoy seeing

them step up in leadership and continue to fine tune their skills. This year we have a great group of 7th graders, and I cannot wait to see them grow and succeed on and off the field.”

3. What is your favorite softball memory?

A: My favorite memory of softball would be coaching both my girls on the same team. One was a pitcher, and one was a catcher. They are 9 years apart in age and never played together, so it was an awesome experience to see them play as a team.”

ISABELLA CIPOLLA #5

Hopewell’s Isabella Cipolla

Position – Pitcher/First Base

Years Playing Softball – 8 years

1. How did you get into softball?

A: “My sister always played.”

2. What is the biggest highlight of your athletic career so far?

A: “The biggest highlight of my athletic career was going to Florida for the USSSA games last year to play on a team for a week.”

3. What is your favorite TV show?

A: Greys Anatomy

4. What would be your perfect future job?

A: “My perfect job would be a surgeon who eventually becomes good enough to create her own schedule.”

LILLIAN OTTO #11

Hopewell’s Lillian Otto

Position – Catcher/Utility

Years Playing Softball – 8 years

1. What is the biggest highlight of your athletic career so far?

A: “My biggest highlight of my softball career is when I hit a grand slam in the championship game with my new travel team, Athletix, this fall.”

2. Aside from softball, what is your favorite sport to play and watch?

A: “Softball is my favorite sport. But other than softball, I play volleyball and basketball. My favorite sport to watch is football.”

3. What is your favorite singer, band, or music artist?

A: SZA, Daniel Caesar and Travis Scott

4. What would be your perfect future job?

A: “I want to be a sports commentator. I want to commentate football, basketball, and softball games.”

ISABELLA MUTKUS #13

Hopewell’s Isabella Mutkus

Position – 3rd Base/Shortstop

Years Playing Softball – 4 years

1. What motivates you to keep pushing yourself?

A: “God and my family.”

2. Aside from softball, what is your favorite sport to play and watch.

A: “I like to watch baseball.”

3. What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?

A: “I cheered for 7 years.”

4. What would be your perfect future job?

A: “A lawyer or be in the Air Force.”

ALYSSA GRAY #18

Hopewell’s Alyssa Gray

Position – Outfield

Years Playing Softball – 2 years

1. What is your biggest influence growing up?

A: “My dad.”

2. How did you get into softball?

A: “My friends suggested that I play, and I really enjoyed it.”

3. What is your favorite singer, band or music artist?

A: Zach Bryan

4. Who is your favorite teacher at Hopewell?

A: Mrs. Blyzwick

EVIE DECAMPLI #20

Hopewell’s Eve Decampli

Position – Shortstop

Years Playing Softball – 4 years

1. What is the biggest highlight of your athletic career so far?

A: “Winning a tournament before my birthday with my friends.”

2. What motivates you to keep pushing yourself?

A: “I am motivated by the fear of failure and the need for success.”

3. What is your favorite restaurant in Hopewell?

A: Dairy Queen

4. Who is your favorite singer, band or music artist?

A: Zach Bryan

GIANNA ROSSI #21

Hopewell’s Gianna Rossi

Position – Catcher/Middle Infielder

Years Playing Softball – 9 years

1. What motivates you to keep pushing yourself?

A: “My father.”

2. How do you handle pressure during big moments in a game?

A: “I talk to my dad or think about it.”

3. What’s your favorite singer, band or music artist?

A: Playboi Carti, Ken Carson, Jay-Z and Rihanna

4. Who are your favorite teachers at Hopewell?

A: Mrs. Pollick and Mrs. Morell

ABBY BABINSACK #22

Hopewell’s Abby Babinsack

Position – Pitcher/First Base

Years Playing Softball – 3 years

1. Aside from softball, what’s your favorite sport to watch and play?

A: “My favorite sport to play besides softball is volleyball, and my favorite sport to watch is hockey.”

2. Is there a particular game that stands out as your favorite?

A: “A game that sticks out as my favorite is my 12u softball playoffs game verses Riverside where I had 12 strikeouts pitching and a triple.

3. What’s your favorite singer, band, or music artist?

A: Meghan Trainor

4. What is your ideal vacation destination?

A: California and Disney

LILY ENDERS #25

Hopewell’s Lily Enders

Position – Shortstop/Center Field

Years Playing Softball – 4 years

1. What were your biggest influences growing up?

A: “My parents. They are always motivating me that I can do whatever I put my mind to.”

2. What motivates you to keep pushing yourself?

A: “My family is my biggest motivator. Growing up all my family did was softball and they made me love it as much as they do.”

3. What is your favorite thing to do outside of sports?

A: “I love playing wiffle ball with my family.”

4. What is your favorite restaurant in Hopewell?

A: Shulligans

AUBREE JOHNSON #29

Hopewell’s Aubree Johnson

Position – Second Base/Right Field

Years Playing Softball – 2 years

1. What were your biggest influences growing up?

A: “My parents.”

2. What motivates you to keep pushing yourself?

A: “I am motivated to one day become really good at softball if I keep trying.”

3. What is your favorite thing to do outside of sports?

A: “Hanging out with friends.”

4. What is your favorite restaurant in Hopewell?

A: JW Halls

KYLIE SMITH #34

Position – First Base/Center Field

Years Playing Softball – 3 years

1. How did you get into softball?

A: “I started playing softball after some of my friends wanted me to play with them.”

2. What were your biggest influences growing up?

A: “My biggest influence is my mom as she has influenced me and pushed me to be the best I can be.”

3. What is your favorite thing to do outside of sports?

A: “My favorite thing to do outside of sports is having fun with my friends and socializing with my family.”

4. What is your ideal vacation destination?

A: “My favorite vacation place is Outer Banks, North Carolina.”

Stay tuned to ongoing coverage of your Hopewell Junior High Softball team on Vikings Sports Now. Come out and support them as they play at home April 16th and April 22nd.

Go Vikings!