Blackhawk softball takes down Hopewell in Section 3-4A

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, April 28, 2018 | 12:30 PM

Blackhawk pitcher Bree Dickton took a perfect game into the fifth inning before losing it on the second batter of the inning. However, Dickton managed to allow just one run, five hits and struck out 15 to lead the Cougars to a 4-1 win over Hopewell in a Setion 3-4A softball game Friday.

Dickton wasn't the only one dealing early, as Hopewell freshman pitcher Caitlyn Rubolino took a no-hitter into the fourth inning.

That's when Blackhawk caught up to Rubolino. The Cougars batted around and scored four runs in the inning.

Blackhawk first baseman Maddie Young opened the inning with a single and scored on Dickton's RBI triple the following at-bat. Center fielder Jordan Belfiore singled in Dickton two batters later, and after another single and walk loaded the bases, shortstop Megan Pinkerton singled in two runs to make it 4-0 after four.

Hopewell had a golden chance to break the shutout in the fifth but left the bases loaded, as Dickton picked up the uncommon four-strikeout inning after an error by catcher Ally Zernick loaded the bases.

The Vikings managed to touch up Dickton in the sixth behind two-out lightning, picking up four consecutive hits, including second baseman Katie Prentice's RBI single to make it the eventual final score 4-1.

Rubolino allowed four runs, eight hits and walked one in the loss.

At the plate, Young and Dickton led the way for Blackhawk, going 2 for 3. Catcher Riley Lewis was 2 for 3 to pace Hopewell.

Blackhawk (7-2, 7-2) returns to action Tuesday against Central Valley. The Cougars lost to the Warriors, 14-4, on April 12.

Hopewell (1-8, 1-8) take the field again April 30 against Ambridge. Ambridge won the first meeting 15-6.

Sean Saputo is a TribLive High School Sports Network broadcaster.

Tags: Blackhawk, Hopewell