Softball Recap: Palatka Victorious

Palatka hadn't done well against Matanzas recently (they were 1-6 in their previous seven matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Thursday. The Palatka Panthers walked away with a 10-6 win over the Matanzas Pirates. This was payback for the Panthers, who suffered a 6-4 defeat the last time these two teams met.

Palatka let Zophia Clark and Haleigh Faulkner run wild. Clark scored two runs while going 3-for-5, while Faulkner scored three runs and stole a base while going 4-for-4. What's more, Clark posted two doubles, the most she's had since back in April of 2024. Lilyann Smith also deserves some recognition as she hit her first doubles of the season.

Palatka kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 14 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in three consecutive matchups.

Palatka's record now sits at 5-3. As for Matanzas, their loss ended a five-game streak of wins at home dating back to last season and dropped them to 8-1.

Panthers

Runs

03/13/25 @ Matanzas	10
03/11/25 @ Flagler Palm Coast	11
03/07/25 @ Clay	4
03/05/25 vs Beachside	0
02/25/25 vs Menendez	11
+ 3 more games

Palatka and Matanzas should be looking forward to their upcoming games as both have a sizable advantage in the MaxPreps Florida Rankings. Palatka (ranked 195th) will meet North Marion (ranked 444th) at 7:00 p.m. on March 27th. Palatka is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.6 runs per game this season. Meanwhile, Matanzas will face off against DeLand at 6:00 p.m. on March 24th up 183 places (51 vs. 234).