The Hopedale Blue Raiders girls’ softball squad demolished Oxford 15–3 yesterday, maintaining their spot as one of the area’s elite teams. Hopedale improved to 10–3 on the season with a balanced attack and standout pitching. Offensively, Layla Huntley led the charge with a solo home run and three RBIs, while Layden MacDonald added two more RBIs. Olivia Barroso and Kenzie Reynolds chipped in six additional RBIs between them, and nine different Raiders recorded at least one RBI. The result was a relentless offense that put up runs in every inning until the mercy rule was invoked. The Blue Raiders were equally stellar the game before against Blackstone-Millville. Emily Atwood and Olivia Barroso combined for five innings of one-run ball, allowing just two hits, issuing five walks, and recording seven strikeouts. Their gem stifled the Chargers’ offense and provided Hopedale’s bats with ample support. Tomorrow at 6 PM, the Blue Raiders host Milford (7–5) in a critical showdown. The Scarlet Hawks have been competitive all season, and Friday’s contest will serve as a barometer for Hopedale’s playoff readiness. If the Raiders replicate yesterday’s offensive explosion and bullpen depth, they’ll solidify their status as a championship favorite heading into tournament play.
