Forli victorious in Women's European Cup Winners Cup opener

A trio of Team Italy All-Star players (slugger Erika Piancastelli, pitcher/outfielder Ilaria Cacciamani, and outfielder Beatrice Ricchi) led Forli to a 10-0 mercy-rule shutout over Germany's Neunkirchen on opening day of the six-day Women's European Cup Winners Cup on August 19, 2019 in Prague, Czech Republic. Cleanup hitter Erika Piancastelli produced a run with a sacrifice fly in her first at-bat then followed up with a three-run home run blast before leaving a final impression in her last at-bat with a two-run double. Ilaria Cacciamani played left field and hit an RBI triple. Beatrice Ricchi walked, singled and scored on Ilaria Cacciamani's three bagger. Forli pitcher Sarah Pauly threw a one-hitter with six strikeouts and no walks in four innings of work to secure the win.

Softball clubs from Europe and New Zealand are going head-to-head in the Women's European Cup Winners Cup, which continues through August 24. Forli is the lone softball squad representing Italy in the Women's European Cup Winners Cup.

Forli plays in Pool A against Rivas (Spain), Les Pharaons (France), Vienna M-Stars (Austria), Eagles Praha (Czech Republic), and Neunkirchen (Germany). Pool B is comprised of Joudrs Praha (Czech Republic), Terrasvogels (Netherlands), New Zealand ISA (New Zealand), Aligators (Serbia), Moscow (Russia), and Therwil Flyers (Switzerland).

Forli returns for a pair of games on August 20 beginning at 9:30 am with a clash against Rivas followed by another contest in the afternoon at 2 pm against Vienna M-Stars. Forli closes out first round play on August 21 with a doubleheader against Les Pharaons at 4 pm and Eagles Praha under the lights at 8:30 pm.

The Women's European Cup Winners Cup playoffs begin on August 22 and culminate with the championship game on August 24 at 6:30 pm. Forza #Italia! #LetsMakeItHappen

by Roberto Angotti