The Comanches of Saint-Raphaël are they really unbeatable? Not content with playing the role of steamrollers in the league, having conceded only one defeat so far, the Varois side traveled to the Pharaonnes’ turf to win the Challenge de France, a title previously held by the Paris-region team. What can we take away from these three days of competition? Let’s look at the lessons for each team.
The Comanches:
With 4 wins in as many games, the Saint-Raphaël team dominated the competition, excelling on all fronts! With a powerful offense, an impenetrable defense, and a dominant rotation, they set the pace throughout the tournament. Their .343 batting average and .455 slugging percentage attest to their offensive consistency, while their 25 RBIs demonstrate an attack capable of making a difference against any opponent. On the mound, their 1.46 ERA and 30 strikeouts stymied opposing offenses, confirming their status as a defensive wall. With an opponent batting average limited to .184, they locked down every match. And on defense, their mastery of tense situations allowed them to minimize errors and control stolen bases.
The Pharaonnes:
Unlucky finalists, Évry-Courcouronnes had been flawless until then, highlighting the supremacy of these two teams (Saint-Raphaël and Évry) over the elite of women’s softball in France. With a .387 batting average, the Pharaonnes hit with deadly precision, scoring 27 runs, the best total of the tournament. Their aggressiveness on the bases (11 stolen bases) allowed them to capitalize on every opportunity. But their true asset lies in their defense. With a 2.00 ERA and only 11 runs allowed in 21 innings, their rotation neutralized opposing batters, accumulating 21 strikeouts and establishing themselves as a dominant force on the mound. On defense, with a .948 fielding percentage and only 5 errors, they perfectly contained their opponents’ game.
The Panthers:
Behind the two top teams, Pessac confirmed that they can challenge Évry-Courcouronnes. With a record of 3 wins and 2 losses, 2-4 against Saint-Raphaël and a narrow 4-5 defeat against Évry, their performance in the Challenge bodes well for a promising end to the championship for the Panthers. With 21 stolen bases, they put pressure on their opponents. At the plate, they showed composure: 26 walks, the best total of the tournament, demonstrating their ability to wait for the right opportunity before swinging. On the mound, their 2.94 ERA and 1.51 WHIP show a well-managed rotation, capable of adapting to decisive moments. With 35 strikeouts, they dominated opposing batters, proving they know how to close the door when needed. The only black spot, the stolen bases allowed (15) remain a point to watch.
The Rabbits:
The current bottom-dweller of the championship, Clapiers-Jacou, fared quite well in this Challenge. The Rabbits finished fourth, with two wins, against Grenoble and especially Colombes (13-3 victory) and a narrow defeat against Pessac (5-6). Their mound was put to the test with an earned run average of 4.91 and a high WHIP of 2.10; with only 10 strikeouts in 25.2 innings, the pitchers struggled to contain the opposing offense. Offensively, some players stood out: Charline Merlhe (.455 batting average, 3 RBI) and Marjorie Brunel (1.096 OPS, a triple and 3 RBI) were crucial. Marion Jahan also stood out with 5 runs scored and 3 stolen bases. On the defensive side, the team made too many errors (17), impacting their fielding average of .861. Their ability to prevent opposing stolen bases remains a weak point, with an 83% success rate for their opponents.
The Wildcats:
Just one small victory, against Grenoble, to put under their belt. The Challenge was tough for Colombes with defeats against Pessac and others by lopsided scores (1-11 against Évry, 3-13 against Clapiers-Jacou). Despite a .250 batting average, the Wildcats knew how to capitalize on their opportunities, posting 19 RBIs and 6 stolen bases, proof of their willingness to create plays. Their .298 slugging percentage still shows room for improvement in their hitting power. On the mound, their rotation was put to the test with a 4.91 ERA, sometimes leaving openings for opponents (opponent batting average of .315). However, they showed character with 10 strikeouts and 4 complete games. Another type of error that proved fatal in this Challenge: the 18 walks allowed. On the other hand, their 7 double plays prove they know how to seize opportunities.
The Grizzlies:
A Challenge to quickly forget for Grenoble. 4 defeats in as many games, the Grizzlies leave with doubts. The goal is now to finish this championship well and regain confidence. With a .198 batting average and a .256 slugging percentage, the team struggled to convert their offensive opportunities, scoring only 4 RBIs. On the mound, their 3.73 ERA reflects some stability, but their opponent batting average of .350 indicates necessary adjustments to tighten the defense and limit openings. Alternating between moments of control and inaccuracies, they need to find more stability and consistency. On defense, the team had ups and downs, with a fielding average of .830 and 19 errors allowed. Positive point, their 4 double plays highlight their ability to seize opportunities to reverse the pressure. Better management of opposing runners, especially against the 8 stolen bases allowed, could make the difference for a more serene end to the season.
A Tight Final
Évry-Courcouronnes therefore had to face Saint-Raphaël to keep their title. In the early innings, the teams traded blows. Unfortunately for the Pharaonnes, nothing more was scored after the third inning, while the Comanches added 3 more runs. On one side, the Pharaonnes hit with precision, recording 5 hits, but only managed to score 3 runs, testifying to some difficulty in converting their opportunities. Léonie Pauthe, the true offensive engine, scored 2 runs. Beside her, Emma Liminier, author of a double, tried to energize the attack. Facing them, the Varois team showed relentless efficiency. With 8 hits and 6 runs scored, the Comanches maximized every opportunity to widen the gap. Chiara Enrione-Thorrand, the orchestra conductor of the attack, distinguished herself with 3 RBIs and a .500 average, ensuring the stability of her team. Ines Haudiquer, with 2 hits and 2 runs, also showcased her skill. On the mound, the pitchers’ duel was decisive. Eidy Carolina Tortolero Monagas, despite 6 solid innings, allowed 6 runs and 5 walks, allowing the opponent to gain the upper hand. Opposite her, Prapeng De Ridder, named MVP of the final, dominated with 7 innings pitched, 9 strikeouts and a 1.94 ERA, proving her mastery under pressure. On defense, a few errors weighed in the final result. The Comanches seized the opportunity and managed to maintain their advantage until the end and secure the victory. The goal now for Saint-Raphaël is to achieve the Championship-Challenge double, and currently, it’s hard to see how to stop this well-oiled machine.
Sébastien Dondé.
Photo credits: FFBS and club social networks.
