Hopkins varsity softball coach Amy Funk has found a solid freshman pitcher now for three years in a row.
It was Dahlia Veldhouse a couple of years ago, then Hannah Brinks. Now comes Gracie Stallard, who hurled well enough Monday to beat Gobles 20-1 in the nightcap of a non-league doubleheader.
Stallard gave up one run on two hits in her three innings of work, as the contest was shortened because of the 10-run rule.
What made the outing special for Stallard was that she had been injured and was cleared to play only last Friday.
Brinks and catcher Lyla Reynolds both came up with three hits, Jessi Spray had two and Ava Vanderkolk pilfered a couple of bases. Brinks collected five runs batted in and Cami Him delivered a double.
Brinks pitched a two-hit shutout at Gobles in the first game, 15-0, which also was limited to three innings because of the 10-run mercy rule.
Hibma and Spray both went 3-for-3 and Peyton Roxbury and Reynolds both had multiple hits.
The Lady Vikings will return to O-K Silver Conference play Tuesday when they travel to Kelloggsville.