A rare opportunity was presented to the high school softball teams from Freedom, Parkland, Northampton, and Notre Dame Green Pond to play at Coca-Cola Park in the semifinals and final of the Lehigh Valley High School Softball Showcase on July 16.

“It was really cool,” said Freedom pitcher Juliana Presto. “It felt tiny [on the field] because everything else was so big. It was all kind of new, and I was just excited to be there.”

In the first semifinal, Freedom defeated Notre Dame Green Pond, 4-0.

Presto, who had an RBI, was the winning pitcher with eight strikeouts. Brenna Ortwein also had an RBI and Kaitlin McDevitt had two RBI’s.

In the second semifinal, Parkland defeated Northampton, 4-3.

Before the final, seniors from all teams were honored, along with their parents, on the field.

“It was crazy to hear everybody’s names called and to see everyone on the big screen,” Presto said.

Presto was called on to pitch the final two hours later against Parkland, who was the eventual winner of the softball showcase with a 6-2 victory.

“I actually felt really good. My arm was really loose. It was more mental. I had to stay focused,” she said.

Presto and Gabby Glick had three hits apiece.

“It was a little sad because we really wanted to beat Parkland, but I was so happy to play with those girls,” said Presto.

“It’s great [Coach Michele] Laubach did a lot to prepare so we could have these games. It was a great opportunity. It meant a lot, and it showed she cared so much and wanted the seniors to be able to play.”