Team Italy U16 softball squad wins the 2018 Joudrs Cup with 5-1 victory over Netherlands U16

Azzurre U16 manager Maristella Perizzolo could not be happier after her Team Italy U16 softball squad remained undefeated (7-0) and beat Netherlands U16 by a score of 5-1 to win the four-day international Joudrs Cup U17 at Svoboda Park in Prague, Czech Republic on August 26, 2018. Team Italy U16 reliever Maya Milano came to the rescue of starting pitcher Sofia Bertani, who left the game in the top of the second inning with two runners in scoring position and no out. Maya Milano, the eldest daughter of legendary Team Italy baseball pitcher Fabio Milano, went on to strike out the next three Dutch hitters to end the scoring threat. In her five innings of work, Maya Milano picked up the win and limited the Netherlands to just one unearned run while striking out eight batters and allowing one walk. The Italians scored three runs in the bottom of the second inning and two more runs in the bottom of the third inning to put the game out of reach. The Team Italy offense was highlighted by Chiara Bolognini, who singled and doubled during the contest. The victory was of signficant importance for Team Italy as the aspiring and talented U16 squad was primarily comprised of younger players well below the Joudrs Cup U17 age requirement. Congratulations to all the Team Italy U16 players: Virginia Mambelli, Sara Fattori, Allison Santini, Linda Rampoldi, Elisa Raviola, Manola Beltrame, Anita Bartoli, Sofia Bertani, Elena Cavaglieri, Sara Caiffa, Giulia Bancora, Maya Milano, and Chiara Bolognini. Forza #Italia! #LetsMakeItHappen

by Roberto Angotti