DISTRICT SEMIS … Montpelier leadoff hitter Maggie Jacob hits a ground ball to third base during Montpelier’s 8-0 win over Patrick Henry.
(PHOTOS BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
FIELDING PLAY … Montpelier pitcher Madelyn Hopper makes the throw to first after fielding a sacrifice bunt.
By: Elliot Schneider
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
ARCHBOLD (May 22, 2025) – The Montpelier Locomotives secured a district semifinal victory over the Patrick Henry Patriots, behind number one starter Madelyn Hopper.
Hopper was dominant on the mound all night, allowing only three hits and giving up zero runs, while striking out fourteen batters, as she kept the Patriots off balance all game long.
The first inning didn’t produce much offense for either side, as both teams went three up and three down to start the game, with both pitchers showcasing their dominance early.
The second wasn’t any better for the Patriots as they followed with a second straight three up and three down inning. Hopper picked up two of her strikeouts in the inning.
The Locomotives weren’t much better, as the only player to reach base in the inning was Kelsie Bumb, when she singled on a grounder.
The Patriots followed with a similar third inning, as they also only had one batter reach base in the inning, when Faith Meyer singled to left.
The Locomotives had another three up and three down inning in the third, leaving the score at 0-0 through three innings, as a pitcher’s duel was brewing in this one.
The fourth was more of the same for the Patriots’ as Sophie Schwab was the only batter to reach base, when she was walked. Hopper had secured eight strikeouts through four innings, making her presence known on the mound.
The bottom of the fourth finally saw some runs put on the scoreboard. Lyla Mahan started the inning with a walk, followed by an intentional walk to Bumb, putting two on with one out for the Locomotives
Jada Uribes followed by drilling a double to center, plating both Mahan and Bumb, giving Montpelier a 2-0 lead by the innings end.
The fifth saw the Patriots’ offensive struggles continue, as they failed to secure any hits in the inning, as Hopper was just too much for them.
The Locomotives looked to build on their lead in the fifth, when they had runners on first and third with Hopper stepping up to the plate. Not only was she dominant on the mound, but she also had contributions in the box as well.
Hopper ripped a double to right, plating Bella Ramos and Mahan, giving the Locomotives a 4-0 lead through five, with a district finals appearance just two innings away.
The sixth was more of the same for the Patriots as they failed to string together hits all night, putting even more pressure on their ace, Meyer, to keep this thing close.
The sixth inning saw the Locomotives final four runs of the game, with a two-RBI single from Katie Terry and a two-run home run from Mahan. The score was quickly 8-0 with only one inning remaining for Montpelier.
PHHS 000 000 0 – 0 3 2
MHS 000 224 x – 8 7 0
Records: PHHS 19-6; MHS 18-5
WINNING PITCHER: Hopper (7 innings, 3 hits, 0 runs, 14 strikeouts, 3 walks)
LOSING PITCHER: Meyer (6 innings, 7 hits, 8 runs, 5 earned, 2 strikeouts, 3 walks)
LEADING HITTERS: (Patrick Henry) Meyer – single; Garcia – single; Schwab – single; (Montpelier) Mahan – home run, 2 RBIs, 3 runs; Hopper – double, 2 RBIs; J. Uribes – double, 2 RBIs; Ramos – 2 singles; Terry – single, 2 RBIs