Hopedale’s softball team played a tight game against AMSA on Monday afternoon, but a late rally by the Eagles handed the Blue Raiders a tough loss. Hopedale led 3-1 heading into the sixth inning before AMSA scored four runs in the frame to swing the outcome and leave the Blue Raiders on the wrong end of a 5-3 final.
Olivia Barroso and Lucy Mandeville each drove in a run for Hopedale, giving the Blue Raiders enough early offense to stay in front for much of the game. For a while, Hopedale looked positioned to add another win to its strong start, but the late inning shifted the game and kept AMSA in control the rest of the way. Avery Constantine was excellent for the Eagles, driving in two key runs in the sixth and seventh innings to help them finish the comeback.
The loss drops Hopedale to 3-3 after a 3-0 start, but the Blue Raiders still have plenty of season left to build on. They now turn their attention to St. Paul later today at 4 p.m. The Knights are 0-3 after losses to Tantasqua and others, which gives Hopedale a chance to get back in the win column. The Blue Raiders will look to get timely hitting and stronger late-game execution in their next outing.
