With the start of the France D1 Softball championships just weeks away, let’s take a quick look around. Ladies first, let’s see the format of the women’s D1 softball championship.
Six teams will battle it out for the title and a spot in the 2024 European Champions Cup (date and location yet to be determined).
Over 10 matchdays, each team will play 2 games.
At the end of the regular season, standings will be established. The top 2 teams will face off in the final, the 3rd and 4th for 3rd place, and the 6th in a playoff against the D2 leader.
The six teams are the reigning champion Pharaonnes d’Evry-Courcouronnes, the Comanches de Saint-Raphael, the Rabbits de Clapiers-Jacou, the Grizzlis de Grenoble, the BCF de Paris, and the Cavigal de Nice. The first matchday is set for March 19th. A highly anticipated return that promises to be packed with standout performances.
The teams and their players have been preparing all winter, competing in tournaments at home and abroad, to be in top form for opening day on March 19th.
Beyond the championship, the 2023 France Cup will take place from May 27th to 29th, giving the champions access to the European Cup Winners’ Cup in August 2024. An extra stake for all teams.
Will the Pharaonnes manage to keep their title? Will the Comanches reclaim it? After the 2022 challenge, will the Grizzlis go for it again this season? Will the Cavigal, who still hold the record for the most French championship titles (16 consecutive titles from 1991 to 2006), find their way back to the podium? Will the Rabbits, who are improving season after season, shake up the top 2? Will the BCF, with their experience in the French championship, dethrone the current champions?
Can’t wait for the championship to start to get some answers to our questions…
Raina Hunter
