Softball Game Preview: Rochester Rams vs. Hopewell Vikings

The Rochester Rams are taking a road trip to take on the Hopewell Vikings at 4:00 p.m. on Monday.

Rochester came up short against Northgate on Friday, falling 15-3. The Rams have struggled against the Flames recently, as the game was their fifth consecutive lost meeting.

Hopewell's found some homefield redemption this week after a overtime loss to Blackhawk on Thursday. Hopewell's pitchers stepped up to hand Sto-Rox a 15-0 shutout. The high-flying hitting performance was a huge turnaround for Hopewell considering their one-run performance the match before.

Alana Covalt and Kara Barkovich made a splash while hitting and pitching. Throwing, Covalt pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Barkovich pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. That's the fewest hits she has allowed since back in April of 2024. At the plate, Covalt went a perfect 3-for-3 with one stolen base and two RBI, while Barkovich scored a run while going 1-for-2. What's more, Barkovich posted two RBI, the most she's had since back in March of 2024.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Victoria Mann, who scored three runs and stole a base while going 2-for-2. Hazel McCowin was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing a base.

Rochester's loss dropped their record down to 1-1. As for Hopewell, the win also got them back to even at 1-1.

Rochester might still be hurting after the 18-8 defeat they got from Hopewell in their previous matchup back in March of 2019. Can Rochester avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.