In the Women’s European Softball Championship final against Great Britain at Sportpark de Paperclip in Utrecht, the Netherlands on Saturday, September 7, 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).
Facing Great Britain for the second time after playing the Brits in the Women’s European Softball Championship debut on September 1st when the Italians won 4-0, starting pitcher Alice Nicolini once again held GB scoreless.
Team Italy went right to work in the bottom of the first inning when scoring one run. Isabella Dayton reached first base on a bunt single, stole second base and crossed the plate on an RBI double by Erika Piancastelli.
The Italians could not capitalize on a Giulia Koutsoyanopulos single in the bottom of the second inning, but came up big with two runs in the bottom of the third inning. Isabella Dayton tripled and scored on an RBI double from McKenzie Barbara. Then Elisa Cecchetti hit an RBI double to put the Azzurre in front 3-0.
Team Italy threatened in the bottom of the fourth inning after Giulia Longhi singled and Isabella Dayton walked, but no runs were scored. However, an insurance run was added in the bottom of the fifth inning when McKenzie Barbara blasted a solo homer over the center field fence to make it a 4-0 game.
GREAT BRITAIN-ITALY BOX SCORE
With the 4-0 shutout over Great Britain, the Italians reclaimed the Women’s European Softball Championship title after a three-year drought and won their 13th Gold Medal to date in honor of their late and great manager Enrico Obletter. Congratulations to the entire Azzurre softball squad as well as current manager Federico Pizzolini, Senior Elite special advisor Mike Candrea, pitching coach Nancy Evans, and coaches Giulio Brusa, Marta Gambella and Maristella Perrizolo.
In the Women’s European Softball Championship battle for the bronze earlier in the day, the Kingdom of the Netherlands defeated the Czech Republic by a score of 8-2.
RESULTS
FINAL STANDINGS
During the international competition, Best Player Award recipient Isabella Dayton was first in batting average (.520), on-base percentage (.606), runs scored (13) and stolen bases (8). The proud Italian America was second best in slugging percentage (.880) behind leader Erika Piancatelli (.962) and in walks (7) along with Erika Piancastelli. Her two home runs were third to teammates Andrea Filler (4), McKenzie Barbara (3) and tied with slugger Erika Piancastelli (2). She also came in third in hits (13).
STATS
SOFTBALLEUROPE.TV
Forza #Italia!
by Roberto Angotti
(Photo of Team Italy after winning the Women's European Softball Championship on September 7, 2024 by RL-Mate)
