National Team closes disappointing Softball World Championships with tough loss

Marina Centrone's Italian National Team did not get the wins they hoped for, but they ended the tournament with their heads held high after a well played 1-0 loss to Australia.  Italy played a tremendous game with six hits despite the no runs, and with Greta Cecchetti pitching an 8 strikeout masterpiece, with only two hits, one of them a bunt, dominating the Australian lineup. Unfortunately the other hit was a home run by Stacey Porter for the game's only run. Italy's tournament ended with the tying run on second base, as the players head home primed for the Italian Softball League playoffs.