The Netherlands dominate the European Championship U-22 Women in Softball
The Netherlands dominate the European Championship U-22 Women in Softball
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 11, 2016
V. European Championship U22 Women in Softball was held in Pardubice, Czech Republic July 4 – 9.
The final standings were:
1. Netherlands
(Gold)
2. Russia
(Silver)
3. Czech
Republic (Bronze)
4. Slovakia
5. Poland
6. Greece
7. Ukraine
8. Lithuania
The
Netherlands dominated the whole tournament and remained undefeated. The
Dutch team only played one seven-inning game as all the remaining games
finished prematurely on mercy rule. The Dutch team has participated in
this competition for the first time in history.
Team Russia, on
the other hand, has not missed this tournament since it was established
in 2008. Russian players always placed in the top three every single time
and they even won the last two Championships.
The Czech
Republic is another regular participant of this competition and has
always been a tough oponent for the Russians. As the hosting team, the
Czechs were a little disappointed with only taking the bronze medals at
the end.
Slovakia
executed an outstanding and unexpected performance and many agreed, that
this team would deserve better, than the fourth place. Despite a
non-medal position in the final standings, Slovakian team changed history
having won against the Czechs.
Team Poland was
led by a Dutch headcoach – Ben ten Pas. The team proved, that softball
program in Poland does not only develop the level of softball, but also
strengthens passion of the players for this game.
Despite placing
sixth, Greek team performed some of the most exciting defensive plays of
the tournament. Loren-Kathy Stavrou, the Greek pitcher was according to
the statistics one of the best pitchers in this event.
Ukrainian coach
Vasyl Kysil said, that his team mostly consisted of young players, who
were proud to represent their country. National Team Ukraine competed
also at all the four previous U22 Women’s Championships.
Team Lithuania is
a team with the shortest history. Softball program in Lithuania has only
started about three years ago. The team consisted of very young players,
who were mainly gaining more experience. Even though, they played
exceptionally well. This roster may actually participate in this category
again not only in 2018, but also in 2020.
More information here, or on request at: hnovotna@europeansoftball.org
Download this press release here: European Championship U-22 Women in Softball 2016.pdf
online press release here