Team Italy wins U22 Women's Softball European Championship title in Slovakia

Under the leadership of manager Andrea Longagnani along with coaches Marco Villani and Simona Nava, Team Italy defeated the Netherlands 5-4 to capture the U22 Women's Softball European Championship in Trnava, Slovakia on July 28, 2018. Having lost to the Dutch twice by slim margins during the week-long international tourament, Team Italy (8-2) beat the Netherlands (9-1) when it mattered most to win the Euro title after an eight-year absence from the U22 competition.

After Azzurre starting pitcher Laura Bigatonn surrendered a run to the Netherlands in the bottom of the third inning, Team Italy rallied back in the top of the fourth inning. Valeria Bettinsoli walked and advanced to second base on a fielder's choice. An RBI single by leadoff hitter Susanna Soldi tied the game 1-1. After advancing to second base on a wild pitch, Susanna Soldi crossed the plate to give Team Italy a 2-1 lead on an RBI triple by Elisa Princic.

The Azzurre squad came back for more in the top of the sixth inning. Sofia Fabbian reached first base on an infield error and later scored an RBI double by Chiara Bassi. With a 3-1 lead going into the bottom of the sixth inning, starter Laura Bigatonn had pitched a great game; however, the previously undefeated Dutch began to rally and threatened to score. Closer Susanna Soldi was brought into the game with runners on first and second base with one out. The effective relief pitcher escaped major damage and limited the Netherlands to just one run to preserve the Italian 3-2 advantage.

Team Italy needed insurance runs in the top of the seventh inning, and the Azzurre women got two of them after some solid offensive punch. Sara Cianfriglia singled and advanced to second base on a perfectly-executed sacrifice bunt from Sara Brugnoli. Then Marta Chiodaroli tripled to bring Sara Cianfriglia home. Alessia Colonna followed with an RBI single to give Team Italy a comfortable 5-2 lead. The Netherlands fought back in the bottom of the seventh inning by scoring two runs but came up short losing to Team Italy by a score of 5-4.

Winning the Euro title was a total team effort. Pitcher Laura Bigatonn earned her third victory of the tourney while reliever Susanna Soldi picked up the save. Team Italy pitching was dominant throughout the U22 Women's European Championship. Starters Sara Ribaldi, Bianca Messina-Garibaldi, and Alexia Lacatena all contributed with pitching excellence. Forza #Italia! #LetsMakeItHappen

by Roberto Angotti