OLV beat Preston on Wednesday, April 30, three days after the controversial doubleheader marred by what Panthers coach Rachel Mazza called bad calls from the umpire. With the same umpire overseeing the action, Preston lost once more, 8-4.
“Unfortunately the strike zone was very unpredictable and we left 13 girls on base in this game,” said Mazza, who noted that a request she made against the umpire calling her games was granted. “We have to learn not to let anything get in our heads, but the game and what we need to do to win. So no excuses.”
On a positive note, Megan Burke returned to Preston’s lineup, batting 2-for-3 with a double and her first home run of the season. “We are expecting great things from Megan,” said Mazza.
On Thursday, May 1, Preston beat Maria Regina 8-0, thanks to Devynn Abbatte, who after going through a rough two games, struck out 6 batters, as her defense recorded no errors. Offense was provided by captain Jennifer Martin and Danielle Sedia, Laura Montalto and Jessica Kerrigan
Preston would then pick up a 6-2 win over Bishop Kearny High School 6-2 the following day. Bishop Kearny is the #1 seed in Brooklyn, but a stellar performance from both Devyn Abbate and Kaitlyn Brown shut them down.
Preston continued their winning ways, beating Good Counsel High School 4-3 on Saturday, May 3, behind the one-two punch of Abbate and Brown. Abbate went 4 innings with 5 strikeouts, giving up three runs, while making a great stop on defense, picking off the runner on 3rd base trying to score on a sac bunt.
Brown shut the door going the last 3 innings with two strikeouts and allowing only one hit. Big hits from Martin (3-for-3, 1 RBI) and Burke (1 double, 2 RBI’s) helped cement the win and rounded out another successful week for the Panthers.
