HOPEDALE — The Hopedale Blue Raiders used a balanced offensive attack and a complete-game effort from Emily Atwood to earn a 9-6 victory over Georgetown on Wednesday and advance in the MIAA Division 5 State Tournament.
Hopedale jumped out to an early lead, scoring two runs in the first inning before adding six more over the next four frames. Georgetown stayed within striking distance throughout the contest, but the Blue Raiders answered every challenge and held on for the three-run win.
The Blue Raiders finished with nine runs on nine hits. Mia Casey led the offense, going 4-for-4 with a pair of RBIs, a stolen base, and two runs scored. Layla Huntley also delivered a big performance, collecting two hits, scoring twice, driving in a run, and adding a stolen base.
Olivia Barroso contributed a hit, two RBIs, and a run scored, while Delaney Vaillette finished 2-for-4 with two runs scored. Phoebe Carroll added a hit and an RBI, and Bella Federico chipped in two RBIs as part of Hopedale’s productive lineup.
On the mound, Emily Atwood went the distance to earn the victory. The right-hander allowed six runs on seven hits while striking out 11 batters over seven innings. Atwood also helped her own cause offensively with a hit and two RBIs.
Georgetown collected six runs on seven hits in the loss. The No. 13 hitter powered the offense with a home run and two RBIs, while the No. 11 hitter recorded a pair of hits and drove in two runs. Georgetown also received two-hit performances from its No. 1 and No. 6 hitters.
Despite committing three errors, Hopedale’s offense and pitching proved enough to secure the victory. The Blue Raiders stole five bases and capitalized on timely hitting to keep control of the game throughout the afternoon.
With the win, Hopedale advances to the next round of the Division 5 State Tournament and moves one step closer to a state championship appearance.
