The Czech Republic celebrated a huge triumph at the European Softball Championship Junior Women in Rosmalen, Netherlands. They defeated Italy 5-3 in the Gold Medal Game on Saturday to win the title. They had finished the second round with a 4-1 record and had shut out Italy (5-0 in second round) 5-0 in the semi-final en route to the final. Italy then went on to beat Russia 9-2.
Great Britain finished in fourth place ahead of the Netherlands. The Dutch team lost four games during the second round, all with one run difference, three through walk-off hits. They had won the title two years ago. Two-time runner up Germany cruised through the consolation round to claim ninth place over Spain.
Final Standings:
1) Czech Republic
2) Italy
3) Russia
4) Great Britan
5) Netherlands
6) France
7) Belgium
8) Lithuania
9) Germany
10) Spain
11) Serbia
12) Denmark
13) Croatia
14) Israel
15) Ukraine (withdrew prior to event)
Individual Awards:
Best Batter: Erika Piancastelli (Italy)
Best Pitcher: Alice Nicolini (Italy)
Most Valuable Player: Marta Gasparotto (Italy)
Complete results, box scores and stats at www.europeansoftball.org