The Hopedale Blue Raiders’ softball team suffered a narrow 3–1 defeat to the Nipmuc Warriors on Wednesday night, ending their three-game win streak. The deciding moment came in the bottom of the fifth when Nipmuc’s Maya Vercruysse delivered a two-run single, breaking a 1–1 tie. Hopedale had taken an early lead, but the Warriors’ clutch hit proved insurmountable. Despite the loss, the Blue Raiders remain one of the top squads in Division 5 with an 11–5 record. Entering the game, Hopedale had just dispatched Blackstone-Millville, Oxford, and Douglas to build momentum. A scheduled senior-night matchup with Sutton was postponed by weather and is now set for Saturday, May 24. Up next, Hopedale will host Maynard on Monday at 4 PM. The Tigers enter at 11–3 and are ranked No. 4 in D5, while the Blue Raiders hold the No. 3 spot. This clash between two elite teams figures to be a playoff preview, with both clubs eager to solidify their standings as the regular season winds down. Both squads will certainly give their all in this early playoff matchup, which will be a thrill to watch.
