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New Ulm’s Ramsey Hopp Leads Eagles to Victory with 14-Strikeout Performance

NORTH MANKATO — In a thrilling Section 2AAA Softball Tournament elimination bracket finals game, No. 1 New Ulm’s Ramsey Hopp delivered a standout performance, leading her team to a 1-0 victory over No. 4 Marshall at Caswell Park on Tuesday.

The game’s lone run came in the bottom of the first inning when Hopp grounded into a fielder’s choice that scored Maddie Backer, giving the Eagles an early lead that they held onto for the entire seven innings.

Hopp’s dominance on the mound was the highlight of the game, as she struck out an impressive 14 batters and allowed only one hit and two walks. Marshall struggled to get on base against her, with Hopp never allowing a runner past first base.

New Ulm head coach Kristi Andersen Loose praised Hopp’s performance, noting that she had completely refocused after a tough outing in a previous game. Andersen Loose also commended Marshall pitcher Morgan Bjella for keeping the Eagles’ hitters challenged throughout the game.

With the win, New Ulm advances to the Section 2AAA Softball Tournament finals against No. 2 Mankato East, setting up a rematch between the two teams. New Ulm will need to win twice against Mankato East to secure a trip to the state tournament, while Mankato East only needs one win to return to the state tournament after winning the Class AAA title last year.

The Eagles will look to carry the momentum from their victory over Marshall into the finals and come back stronger against a tough Mankato East team. The stage is set for an exciting showdown between these two talented softball programs.