by Kristian Paelviae
Enkoeping, Sweden
As usual, the Swedish fastpitch softball season started indoors – with the traditional Swedish Indoor Masters, played for the 17th consecutive year, on March 1-2, 2008. This year, six women’s fastpitch teams gathered in Enkoeping to play for the SIM Cup over the three days the tournament covered.
And just like last year, the victory was for Skoevde Saints to celebrate. Anchored by tournament MVP Nina SARAJAERVI’s pitching the team fought back the other teams including Sundsvall Mosquitoes in the final, 4-0. The tournament saw a lot of tight games, with only two of 20 games settled with the mercy rule.
Elsa SJOEGREN, Sundsvall, was voted Best Pitcher of the tournament, while Ulrika FRAESEN of Soeder Black and Blue was voted Best Batter.
Round robin standings:
- Skoevde Saints 5-0
- Sundsvall Mosquitoes 4-1
- KIF Eagles 3-2
- Soeder Black and Blue 2-3
- Norrköping Blue Sox 1-4
- Enköping Wildcats 0-5
Semifinals:
Skoevde – Soeder 3-2
Sundsvall – KIF 4-3
Consolidation game (3rd price):
Soeder – KIF 2-0
Final:
Skoevde – Sundsvall 4-0
Photo: © Peter Blomqvist