Folsom Lake Splits Doubleheader with American River in Gritty Performance
March 15, 2025 – The Folsom Lake College softball team put up a strong fight in a doubleheader against American River College, securing a thrilling 4-3 victory in the first game before falling 9-4 in the second. The Falcons displayed resilience and determination, capitalizing on key moments to earn a hard-fought split on the road.
Game 1: Late Surge Secures Victory for Folsom Lake
Folsom Lake edged out American River in a nail-biting 4-3 win in the first game of the doubleheader. The Falcons took an early 3-0 lead in the second inning, thanks to a costly error by American River that allowed Rhanoa Barton, Sophia Nielsen, and Annika Scheafer to cross the plate.
Pitcher Mary Franceschi turned in a solid outing, throwing four innings and allowing just two earned runs while striking out one. Marianna Prieto took over in relief, delivering three innings of one-run ball to secure the win.
Grace Diaz provided the game's decisive run in the seventh inning, scoring on a passed ball to give Folsom Lake a 4-2 cushion. American River responded with a solo home run in the bottom of the inning, but Prieto closed the door to seal the victory.
Game 2: Folsom Lake Starts Strong but Falls Short
The second game started on a promising note for Folsom Lake, as the Falcons jumped ahead 4-1 in the third inning behind a clutch RBI triple from Prieto and aggressive baserunning. However, American River stormed back with a four-run third inning, followed by another four-run rally in the fifth to take control of the game.
Despite the loss, Prieto led the Falcons' offense with a double and a triple, driving in two runs. Kamora Baptiste showcased her speed on the basepaths with two stolen bases, while Kenna Jenkins also swiped two bags.
On the mound, Franceschi and Prieto combined to pitch six innings, but American River's powerful offense proved too much, racking up 14 hits and three home runs to pull away.
Looking Ahead
With the series split, Folsom Lake demonstrated its ability to compete against tough opponents. The Falcons will look to build on their game-one victory as they prepare for their next matchup. The team's strong pitching and opportunistic offense will be key as they continue their season with high expectations.
Folsom Lake will return to action next week, eager to build momentum and continue showcasing their competitive spirit on the field.