Women's Softball European Premier Cup 2023: day one recap

The action on the first day of the Women's Softball European Premier Cup kicked off on field one at Saronno Ballpark with four intense matchups.

The opening game witnessed a major upset as the home team, Saronno from Italy, faced the Bonn Capitals from Germany. In a closely fought contest, the Bonn Capitals secured a surprising victory, defeating Saronno 2-1.

Olympia Haarlem from the Netherlands dominated their match against Rivas Madrid from Spain, displaying their prowess with a commanding 13-1 victory.

The Bonn Capitals continued their winning streak, this time against Les Pharaons from France, triumphing with a score of 5-2.

Saronno managed to bounce back from their initial loss with a convincing performance against Tex Town Tigers from the Netherlands. With a score of 7-0 and invoking the mercy rule, Saronno secured a much-needed win to remain in the running for the tournament.

Over at Legnano Ballpark, field two witnessed three games. The Wittenbach Panthers from Switzerland made a powerful statement by shutting out Chicaboo's Stabroek from Belgium with an impressive 8-0 victory in their tournament opener. Vienna Wanderers from Austria succumbed to the Tex Town Tigers from the Netherlands with a score of 7-9.

Joudrs Praha from the Czech Republic emerged triumphant against the Wittenbach Panthers in a closely contested match, clinching a narrow 2-1 victory.

During the opening ceremony, WBSC Europe Softball Vice President Gabriel Waage expressed his joy at inaugurating the 45th Women's Softball European Premier Cup. The event, he emphasized, holds a special place not only within Europe but also on the global stage: top athletes have converged from all continents to partake in this grand competition.

As the tournament moves forward, fans eagerly anticipate the second day's matches, which promise to deliver more intense softball action at both Saronno and Legnano ballparks.

The WBSC Europe event's website offers play-by-play. All games will be streamed by the Local Organsing Committe in the WBSC Europe YouTube Channel.

Cover photo by Valerio Origo