Bollate defeats Saronno 2-1 to win U21 Softball Final Four Championship

After Monzesi Bollate eliminated Specchiasol Bussolengo 2-0 and Saronno beat Collecchio 10-5 earlier in the day, Bollate and Saronno battled at Ospiate Via Brescia Stadium in Bollate to determine the 2018 Italian U21 Softball Champion on November 4, 2018. The Saronno offense struck first to get on the board in the bottom of the third inning. After Bollate starting pitcher Sara Riboldi surrendered an infield single to Saronno leadoff hitter Valeria Bettinsoli, she was replaced by Bollate reliever Laura Bigatton. Valeria Bettinsoli stole second base and advanced to third base on a sacrifice bunt by Alessandra Rotondo. An RBI single by shortstop Arianna Nicolini brought Valeria Bettinsoli home to give Saronno a slim 1-0 lead.

Bollate tied the game up in the top of the fifth inning. Having not allowed a hit to Bollate prior to issuing a walk to Sara Camisasca, Saronno starting pitcher Valentina Grazzi was dominant on the mound. Bollate put the pressure on when Irene Costa moved the runner into scoring position with a sacrifice bunt. Sara Camisasca stole third base and scored on an infield single by Selene D'Angelosante to make it a 1-1 game. Bollate came back for more in the top of the seventh inning. Catcher Maida Micheloni led off with a double and later scored on a wild pitch to put Bollate on top 2-1. Winning pitcher Laura Bigatton ended the contest with her sixth strikeout of the game to secure Bollate the 2018 Italian U21 Softball Championship title. Forza #Italia! #LetsMakeItHappen

 by Roberto Angotti