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

After day three of the Women's Softball European Premier Cup 2023, the top six clubs in the European softball arena were drawn: Bonn Capitals (GER), Olympia Haarlem (NED), Rivas Madrid (ESP), Saronno (ITA), Joudrs Praha (CZE), and Tex Town Tigers (NED).

In the matchup at Legnano's softball field, Vienna Wanderers (AUT) triumphed over Les Pharaons (FRA) in a closely contested encounter, securing a 7-5 victory.

On the same field, the Bonn Capitals (GER) secured a pivotal win against the Tex Town Tigers (NED) with a final score of 2-0. The German team first capitalized on two defensive errors by the Dutch side and then secured a second run and their lead through a double by HORTON.

At the Saronno softball field, Rivas Madrid (ESP) defeated Joudrs Praha (CZE) in a resounding 9-0 victory, prompting an early end to the game after five innings.

Subsequently, Olympia Haarlem (NED) displayed an impressive offensive display, achieving a 7-0 triumph against Wittenbach Panthers (SUI). The pitchers VAN DIJK and LADNER's combined efforts resulted in allowing just one hit.

Chicaboo's Stabroek (BEL) faced the Joudrs Praha (CZE) and suffered a defeat with a lopsided score of 15-0. The Czech team's potent hitting was evident as they totaled 13 hits in just three innings of play.

In the concluding match of the day, Vienna Wanderers (AUT) and Saronno (ITA) engaged in a hard-fought two-hour battle, with the Italians ultimately emerging victorious with a 5-2 win.

With the initial round-robin phase concluded, the top six teams - Bonn Capitals (GER), Olympia Haarlem (NED), Rivas Madrid (ESP), Saronno (ITA), Joudrs Praha (CZE), and Tex Town Tigers (NED) - will proceed to the next stage to determine the finalists.

The teams ranked seventh to tenth after the first round robin - Wittenbach Panthers (SUI), Chicaboo's Stabroek (BEL), and Les Pharaons (FRA) - will participate in the subsequent phase of the tournament to establish their final standings.

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 Laura Massarenti