Presidio Girls Win Title
The Presidio Middle School softball team won the City championship at Lang Field on Aug. 22. The Presidio Panthers were undefeated, 8-0, going into the championships.
In a very exciting game, Presidio beat A.P. Giannini Middle School in the finals by a score of 5-4. Presidio led the entire game behind the solid pitching of team captain Michelle Willis. The Panthers scored in the first inning, taking the lead 1-0, and scored again in the second inning on a lead-off walk by third baseman Lucy Nguyen, who scored on a double by second baseman Mari Kawano. Presidio scored two more runs in the third inning on Madison Donohue-Wolfe's double.
The Giannini Jaguars were behind 5-0 going into the top of the seventh inning. Michelle Willis struck out Giannini's top of the order batter. Then a single and a walk led to two players on base. Giannini's next batter hit a triple over the left-fielder's head. After an exciting play at the plate by Presidio catcher Erin Westry, the score was 5-4. Presidio pitcher Michelle Willis then struck out the next batter, and the last batter grounded out to first, cementing the Panther victory.
The team stormed the field in excitement over their victory.
Head Coach Judy Adami said this was the first city championship in girls' softball in the history of the school.
"This was the best team I have ever coached," she said. "They had talent both on offense and on defense. Michelle Willis is an outstanding pitcher. The players are always focused, and they played with heart. I am so proud of these girls."
Assistant coach Shauna Kim was also thrilled with the victory.
"These girls were dedicated and worked hard the entire season," she said. "Their work paid off in a well deserved victory."
Presidio played solid softball the entire season. Dominating their opponents, the Panthers beat Hoover in the playoffs on a grand slam by shortstop and co-team captain Jan Van Hasselt. Another highlight of the season was pitcher Willis delivering 18 strike-outs in one game, a team record.