France back on top of Europe.
The women’s team managed to see through this European Cup competition. This time, compared to the first competition also won by France before the health crisis in 2019, one more team made up the line-up.
While the level was mixed, the three teams other than France defended their positions. The English, in their first appearance, finished in fourth place. The Dutch secured third.
The matches often featured numerous walks, passed balls, and plenty of hits, showcasing collective and individual energies that were a joy to watch.
The French started off shakily, winning on walk-offs and even losing to the Czech Republic. The team tightened their bonds, with Coralie Guillemin finishing as the competition’s MVP.
The match between France and Great Britain was one of the most spectacular, with an impressive comeback by the French. Down 12-6 in the sixth inning, they tied it up and went on to win 13-12 in the seventh. Notably, the French coach was ejected in this match, but rather than hindering the team, it reignited them. See a series of photos by Glenn Gervot retracing this brief episode: here
The final against the Czechs was almost one-sided in favor of the French, who closed out the match 13-3 in the fifth inning.
Five French players—Emma Patry, Ambre Brouard, Marjorie Brunel, Yasmine Derbal, and Coralie Guillemin—each scored twice. Derbal, Léonie Pauthe, and Juliane Laporte each drove in two RBIs. Cassandra Vigneau allowed six hits, three runs, and three walks in five innings for a complete-game victory. Katerina Popelkova, Petra Kolkusova, and Eva Ventrubova scored the three runs for the Czech Republic.
The French team thus regains its right to participate in the upcoming qualifying rounds for the Women’s Baseball World Cup. Another challenge with a much higher level, notably featuring the Canadian, Japanese, and American teams, along with South Korea and Chinese Taipei.
The other positive aspect of this victory is the media coverage (articles in Femmes de Sport, L’Équipe newspaper…) which is a boon for our sports and gives them some spotlight thanks to this female success.
The team of volunteers from the Montpellier club managed to organize such a competition in often scorching heat. The broadcasts, deemed mediocre by many viewers, at least have the merit of existing and, as always, continue to improve.
Photos: Glenn Gervot Ffbs
