The Hopkins varsity softball team got in an early bird contest at home Monday afternoon against a Buchanan squad loaded with returning letter winners from last year’s 38-5 outfit.

Hopkins lost 14-3 in six innings.

“Not a good start,” lamented Lady Vikings coach Amy Funk. “The first inning defensively was not good. But after that it was good We hit well.

“Buchanan only lost one senior last year and was in the quarterfinals I believe. Their pitcher is going to WMU and shortstop going to MSU.”

Hopkins will not play again until after the spring break, on April 9.