Presentation hasn't had much luck against Saint Francis recently, but that could start to change on Wednesday. The Panthers will host the Lancers at 4:00 p.m. Presentation is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.6 runs per game this season.
It was a proper cat-fight when Presentation challenged Evergreen Valley on Monday. The Panthers put the hurt on the Cougars with a sharp 20-8 victory.
Kyla Rae Shackelford made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over 2.1 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in March. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with three RBI, two doubles, and one stolen base.
Allie Malatesta
| 05/05/25 @ Evergreen Valley | 4 |
| 03/22/25 @ Monte Vista Christian | 3 |
| 03/11/25 @ El Camino | 3 |
| 02/28/25 @ Sequoia | 3 |
| 02/24/24 @ Monte Vista Christian | 3 |
In other batting news, Presentation let Allie Malatesta and Julia Simon run wild. Malatesta went a perfect 4-for-4 with four runs, one triple, and one stolen base, while Simon got on base in all five of her plate appearances with three runs, two doubles, and one stolen base. Those four hits gave Malatesta a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Isabella Ureta, who got on base in all five of her plate appearances with three runs.
Presentation was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .710. They are a perfect 7-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Meanwhile, Saint Francis came tearing into Friday's game with ten straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 6.8 runs), and they left with even more momentum. They walked away with a 5-2 win over the Wildcats.
Ava Bulanti spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and one unearned) run on one hit and racked up 11 Ks. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in three consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Peyton Tsao was excellent, going 1-for-2 with one home run and two RBI. Jaime Oakland was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two stolen bases and one run.
Saint Francis' victory was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 21-2. Those home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.8 runs over those games. As for Presentation, their victory ended a seven-game drought on the road and puts them at 7-13.
Wednesday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Presentation hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .347. However, it's not like Saint Francis struggles in that department as they've averaged .408. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Presentation might still be hurting after the 17-0 defeat they got from Saint Francis when the teams last played back in March. Will the Panthers have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
