The Hopkins softball team Friday split an unusual doubleheader, winning its opening encounter 4-3 over Delton Kellogg, but dropping an 8-3 decision to Traverse City St. Francis in the nightcap.
The Lady Vikings had to come from behind to take out Delton, which broke a 2-2 tie and led by one run going into the sixth inning. Hopkins pushed across a run in the sixth and another in the seventh and sophomore pitcher Hannah Brinks was able to hold the Panthers scoreless for a nail-biting victory.
The Vikings collected 13 hits, but Lyla Reynolds had the only extra-base variety, a double. Cami Hibma continued her hot hitting of late by going 4-for-4 and Madison Schwartz went 3-for 3. Avery Osborn drove in a couple of runs with her one single. Reynolds and Brinks both had two hits.
Brinks went the distance on the mound, yielding five hits, including a triple and a home run, walked two and struck out nine.
But things were a little different against the mystery opponent in game two.
St. Francis scored three times in both of the first two innings against Brinks, but only added two the rest of the way against junior relief hurler Dahlia Veldhouse, who allowed just one earned run.
Reynolds cracked a home run and she and Schwartz both had a double, but the Vikings managed only eight hits as a team. Ava Vanderkolk had two singles.
Both opponents Friday are ranked in the state, Division 3.
Coach Amy Funk reported that Comstock Park has conceded defeat in a 10-0 game that was halted by inclement weather earlier in the season. So Hopkins now is 8-0 in the O-K Silver Conference and 13-7 overall.
