Women's Softball European Cup Winners Cup B 2023: day two recap

Crazy Chicklets (Austria) came out swinging in the first game of the day at the Women's Softball European Cup Winners Cup B. 13 hits in 3 innings resulted in a 15-0 win over the Barbarians. Kailyn Campbell and Lily Aasland both went 3-for-3 in the game and together they combined for 4 runs and 7 RBIs.

The second game of the day was a hard-fought battle between the Thunderbirds and the Challengers. Yfke Romney (THU) was the first run of the game. Her bunt lead to an overthrow and she used her speed to go all the way around the bases. 

 In the bottom of the fifth Maud Talma (THU) scored on a hit off Sarah Argi (THU) to make it 2-0. Challengers replied in the 6th inning with Taylor Edwards scoring on a hit of Cheska Ham. 

Thunderbirds managed to score an insurance run in the bottom of the 6th inning when Robielly Martis crossed Homeplate. Adrianna Berger (THU) came in to save the game and secure the 3-1 victory for the Thunderbirds.

Although Medvednica collected 10 hits in the game it were the Barbarians who broke open the game in the 4th. Lea Maartens’ single through the left side plated 2 runs and she scored later that inning on a hit by Cheyenne Vogel. Medvednica was unable to reply and the game ended in a 4-2 victory for the Barbarians.

The crowd were entertained in the evening by the Titans (BOT) and Roef! (NED). A total of 19 hits including another inside-the-park-homerun were on display. Roef! took a 6-0 lead into the bottom of the 5th but Botswana, just the other day showed their resilience once more. Roef! managed to get out of the inning with a one-run lead after a brilliant double play by shortstop Briana Marcelino (ROE). 

The answer from Botswana lit a fire under the Roef offense. Nicky Uytendaal (ROE) lead-off with a triple and was followed by Briana Marcelino (ROE) with a screaming line drive into rightfield for an inside-the-park homerun.

Marjolein Merkx (ROE) took over the pitching with an 11-7 lead in the 6th and shut the door to seal the third victory for the host team. 

Standings after day 2 
Roef! (NED) is leading the standings (3-0), Crazy Chicklets (AUT) is trailing closely (2-0), followed by Thunderbirds (ISR) and Challengers Zürich (SUI) in third position (1-1). Barbarians (GBR) and Titans (BOT) both sit in fifth position with one win and two losses. Medvednica Mrki Medvedi (CRO), still looking for their first win, close the standings.

Cover photo by DFotografie