# Marin Catholic Softball Season Ends with 5-3 Loss to Petaluma
It was a tough ending at Novato High for Marin Catholic softball. Their season wrapped up Wednesday with a 5-3 loss to Petaluma in the North Coast Section Division II playoffs.
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The Wildcats had pulled off some upsets during their MCAL playoff run. They fought hard, but just couldn’t overcome a three-run sixth inning by Petaluma.
Even in the seventh, Marin Catholic made things tense by bringing the tying run to the plate. That last rally kept everyone on the edge of their seats.
Late-Game Strategy Proves Decisive in Tight Contest
The score stayed locked at 2-2 until the sixth. That’s when Petaluma pulled off a string of squeeze bunts that caught the Wildcats flat-footed.
Petaluma’s small-ball tactics brought in three runs, and honestly, that was the difference. Sometimes it’s the little things, right?
Defensive Decisions in Critical Moments
Coach Dave Albini, sitting in his San Rafael office after the game, didn’t mince words. “We should have taken the outs at first base rather than attempting plays at home plate,” he admitted, thinking back to the squeeze play sequence.
The Wildcats’ defense had been sharp all through Mill Valley and Corte Madera. But Petaluma’s small ball left them scrambling.
Even with those mistakes, the team showed a ton of heart in their final inning. That’s something you can’t really coach.
Young Stars Shine Despite Playoff Disappointment
Freshman pitcher Malliah Foster kept things interesting on the mound. She gave up just six hits and four earned runs, striking out three Petaluma batters.
Offensive Highlights from Key Contributors
Anna Held led the Wildcats’ offense with two hits and two RBIs. Meanwhile, sophomore Morgan Carlson—who Coach Albini calls “the best player in the league”—reached base three times and scored twice.
Carlson’s season has been something else. She’s gotten attention all over Marin County, not just in Kentfield.
Her steady play at the plate and in the field has made her a real cornerstone for the Wildcats. If you’re looking ahead, she’s the one to watch.
Bright Future Ahead for Wildcats Program
The Wildcats ended their season with a strong 16-8 record. A few highlights:
With just one senior graduating and young stars like Foster and Carlson sticking around, there’s a lot to be excited about in Fairfax and Sausalito. The experience from this year’s playoff push? That’ll stick with them.
Building on Championship Experience
This young team just picked up some serious championship experience, and honestly, that’s going to shape their future. The players are heading back to their homes in Belvedere, Strawberry, and other Marin neighborhoods, each bringing back a handful of lessons from all the wins and setbacks this season threw at them.
The sting of playoff elimination still hangs in the air around Greenbrae. But if you look at this group, it’s hard not to feel a bit hopeful about what’s next.
The Wildcats have started to make a name for themselves as a program to watch, not just in Marin County but maybe even farther out. Who knows? Next season could get interesting.
Here is the source article for this story: Prep softball: Marin Catholic sees season end with loss to Petaluma
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