Staff photo by Ari Selvey New Ulm pitcher Ramsey Hopp delivers a pitch during a nonconference softball game against Mankato West Thursday at New Ulm High School.

By Blaine Olson

Journal Student Writer

NEW ULM — Ramsey Hopp’s no-hitter and a four-run third inning propelled the New Ulm Eagles to a 6-0 win over the Mankato West Scarlets in a nonconference girls softball game on Thursday.

Although it wasn’t her first no-hitter, it was her first of the season and it came in a pivotal Section 2AAA game to start the season off.

“We are off to a very hot start,” Hopp said. “Our bats are looking good and our defense is amazing, you cant do that without a incredible defense behind you. Natalie [Bianchi] also did a great job framing pitches behind the plate.”

Hopp said that she wasn’t trying to do too much.

“I just tried to mix it up, keep the hitters off-balance.”

Hopp also added that she works at locating pitches during the offseason.

“Just hitting spots, having trust that I can hit my spots,” she said.

Hopp also didn’t allow a walk with recorded six strikeouts with her no-hitter.

Gracie Linbo led the Eagles at the plate, going 2 for 3 with a walk, while Bianchi went 2 for 4 with a two-run double and Amber Lee went 1 for 2 and drew a walk.

The scoring started for the Eagles in the third inning, with Bridgette Roiger scoring on a wild pitch. Maddie Backer followed Roiger as she also scored on a wild pitch to make it 2-0.

Bianchi then doubled in Linbo and Hopp to give the Eagles a 4-0 lead.

In the fifth, the Eagles took their 6-0 lead after pinch runner Mya Hornick and Hopp both scored on an error.

The Eagles (3-0, 1-0) will travel to Mankato East on Monday at 5:30 p.m. While Mankato West (2-1, 2-0) will host Rochester Mayo at 12 p.m. Saturday.