July 12 marked the start of the international European softball season of 2020.

Team Germany hosted the Dutch Women's National Team for a double-header. The Netherlands took both games with the results of 1-9 e 2-12, but these games represent a win for Europe being the first international women's softball event after the COVID-19 pandemic broke out.

"It just feels amazing to be back!" comments Dutch pitcher Marjolein Merkx. German pitcher Hannah Held said "I was nervous facing such a big opponent such as the Netherland, but it was awesome. It's such a good feeling to represent my country."

These games were the official debut of the Dutch headcoach Ferenc Jongejan and the players Margot van Eijl e Shakeena Croes. The other players wearing Dutch jersey were: with Marjolein Merkx, Rebecca Soumeru, Eva Voortman, Brenda Beers, Laura Wissink, Lizzie Clarijs, Maxime van Dalen, Suka van Gurp, Marielle Vleugels, Britt Vonk, Jessie van Aalst, Wies Ligtvoet, Cindy van der Zanden, Yindi Beekveldt, and Tess Remmers.

Twenty-five players took the field for Germany guided by Coach Dehmel: Apel Corina, Biswas Lioba, Bottger Milena, Brosch Fiona, Chime Cathrine, Dunford Maxine, Held Hannah, Hillebrand Rebecca, Keller Larissa, Kerscher Nina, Lankhorst Lee, Mac Kenzie Celina, Rathjen Anne Sophie, Salomon Lea, Seso Marina, Stepniak Annie, Stuwe Alexandra, Szalay Katharina, Vanah Teresa, Volkman Claudia, Wahlen Marie, Weil Jennifer, Weyel Noemi, and Zuber Athina.

Watch the game 1 and game 2 recaps by Softbaldino TV and the photogallery by Sascha Schneider.

These two games were two first of a series of friendly games between the two national teams. The Dutch will host Team Germany in Enschede in August and September if the health situation will allow it. 

/ Elda Ghilardi
Sascha Schneider photos