In the Women’s European Softball Championship debut game against Great Britain at Sportpark de Paperclip in Utrecht, the Netherlands on Sunday, September 1, 2024, Team Italy manager Federico Pizzolini put together the following lineup: Isabella Dayton (LF), Erika Piancastelli (RF), McKenzie Barbara (DP), Andrea Filler (1B), Elisa Cecchetti (C), Marta Gasparotto (SS), Giulia Longhi (3B), Giulia Koutsoyanopulos (CF) and Alessandra Rotondo (2B).
Starting pitcher Alice Nicolini (5.1 IP, H, 3 BB, 4 K) stifled Great Britain from the start and did not allow a hit until the top of the sixth inning. Reliever Ilaria Cacciamani (1.2 IP, 2 H, 3 K) was effective and closed out the contest with three consecutive strikeouts to pick up the save.
The Team Italy offense was led by Isabella Dayton (1-for-2, 2 R, RBI, 2 BB), Erika Piancastelli (1-for-3, HR, R, 2 RBI, BB), Marta Gasparotto (2-for-3, RBI), Giulia Koutsoyanopulos (R, BB) and Alessandra Rotondo (1-for-3).
Team Italy slugger Erika Piancastelli said, "We all played well, our pitchers threw like gods. We can always improve, this tournament is long and we have many games ahead, We just have to improve on the small details and be ready for the end of the tournament."
GREAT BRITAIN-ITALY BOX SCORE
The Azzurre softball squad returns to Utrecht for a battle against Israel on Monday, September 2, 2024 at 10 am (local time) followed by a clash with Greece later in the day at 5;30 pm. Greece defeated Israel 7-2 on opening day.
Erika Piancastelli continued, "We have to face tomorrow’s two games as we did today, like a final. It doesn't matter who we play against, we have to do our part, do what we know how to do and stay focused. Tomorrow will be a long day, but it will prepare us for the rest of the tournament."
SCHEDULE, RESULTS AND PLAY-BY-PLAY LINK
STANDINGS
STATS
SOFTBALLEUROPE.TV
Forza #Italia!
by Roberto Angotti
(Photo of Team Italy slugger Erika Piancastelli congratulated by her teammates after hitting a two-run home run against Great Britain on Sunday, September 1, 2024 by RL-Mate)
