Softball Recap: Hopkins Has No Trouble Against Belding

Vikings

Margin (Wins)

04/16/25 vs Kelloggsville	20
04/16/25 vs Kelloggsville	19
05/05/25 @ Belding	11
03/21/25 vs Plainwell	11
04/28/25 vs Covenant Christian	10

Hopkins came out on top against Belding on Monday thanks in part to the team's impressive nine-run second inning. The Vikings blew past the Black Knights 12-1. The Vikings might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won eight contests by six runs or more this season.

Hopkins got a great performance from Gracie Stallard as she tossed five innings while giving up just one earned run off four hits. Stallard has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than one walk in 11 consecutive appearances.

At the plate, the team relied heavily on Ava Vanderkolk, who got on base in all four of her plate appearances with two stolen bases, two runs, and one double. That's the most stolen bases she has posted over her last 14 matches. The team also got some help courtesy of MaKenna Funk, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with three RBI and two runs.

Hopkins was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .536. They are 8-2 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.

The victory got Hopkins back to even at 9-9-1. As for Belding, their defeat was their fifth straight at home dating back to last season, which dropped their record down to 2-5.

We've got plenty of inter-league action coming up soon. Hopkins is set to challenge their familiar foe Godwin Heights at 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Belding will take on rival Kelloggsville at 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday.