The hierarchy of softball teams in France is gradually taking shape, with the Pharaonnes d’Evry rising to the occasion. After finishing second in the 2022 French Challenge, they’ve now claimed the last two editions, including the recent 2024 title, adding to their 2021 victory.
The Grenoble Grizzlies and the St Raphael Comanches couldn’t stand in their way. Evry dominated with impressive scores and double plays, quickly putting opponents on the back foot.
The two finalists boasted batting averages of .430 for Evry and .422 for St Raphael. Rosalie Coste of Evry and Ciara Enrionne-Thorrand of the Comanches led the way in many statistical categories. Emma Liminier of Evry delivered a stellar pitching performance with a 1.31 ERA and three wins under her belt.
125 runs were scored in 603 at-bats, averaging a run per inning. Few triples (7) and only 3 home runs were hit. Clearly, defensive quality made the difference more than offensive prowess in France today, with 29 double plays turned.
Viewership of the YouTube broadcasts by the federation was up, and the Béziers Pirates hosted a fantastic competition among the six teams. Evry already knows their spot in the 2025 European Club Cup is secured.
Raina Hunter, French National Team Selector
A fantastic competition, superbly organized by the Béziers club, which provided the best conditions for the teams, players, and staff, with great weather. Many impressive plays; the players are progressing well overall. There’s room for improvement on small errors in what might seem like easy plays, though none are truly easy. A bit more rigor from play ball to game over would elevate the level of this competition.
For us, Céline Lassaigne and I, the challenge was a way to field the roster for the under-22s and seniors who will head to Spain for a preparatory tournament in early July.
Photo credit: FFBS (Glenn Gervot)
