With wins over Croatia and Ukraine, Team Italy faces Netherlands and Germany in U16 Euro Women’s Softball Championship
On the third day of the U16 European Women’s Softball Championship in Zagreb, Croatia, Team Italy defeated Croatia 21-1 in the morning and Ukraine 16-1 in the afternoon on July 31, 2019. In the contest against Croatia, Team Italy pitchers Beatrice Nannetti and Valeria Munaretto threw a combined no-hitter with seven strikeouts and one walk during the three-inning mercy-rule win. An RBI single from Alessia Brandi and a two-run double by Sarah Bortolotti yielded the first three runs for Team Italy in the bottom of the first inning. The explosive Italian offense produced four extra-base hits and 15 runs in the first inning alone. Team Italy put the game out of reach after back-to-back inside-the-park home runs by Alessia Brandi and Alessandra Mavilla followed by a double from Elisa Raviola.
The Azzurre U16 softball squad returned for afternoon contest against Ukraine. Team Italy starter Sofia Bertani tossed a no-hitter with two strikeouts and two walks in the three-inning mercy-rule victory. Anita Bartoli was a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with an RBI double and an RBI triple. A two-RBI double from Giulia Bancora followed by a two-run dingle from Alessandra Mavilla and an RBI double by Manola Beltrame highlighted a 7-run rally in the bottom of the second inning.
With the pair of wins, Team Italy improves its record to 5-1 in the U16 European Women’s Softball Championship. The Azzurre move on to the next round as the second-seed behind leader Russia (5-0) and ahead of third-seed Ukraine (2-3) from Pool F. Netherlands (5-0), Czech Republic (4-1), and Germany (2-3 ) also advanced in the competition from Pool E.
Team Italy plays two games on August 1 beginning with a clash against defending Euro champion Netherlands at 9:15 am (local time) followed by a battle with Germany at 3:45 pm (local time). The Azzurre U16 softball squad comes back on August 2 at 12 noon (local time) to face Czech Republic. The results of the important Pool X contests will determine which two teams compete in the U16 European Women’s Softball Championship final on August 3 at at 6 pm (local time). Forza #Italia! #LetsMakeItHappen
by Roberto Angotti
