Huskies: Rouen’s unstoppable pack
For the second year in a row, Rouen’s Huskies have swept their opponent in the final, 3 games to 0. Last year, Savigny completely missed their chance. This time, one could believe that Montpellier, strong from a regular season finished in first place and an impressive series of 15 home wins, would put up a solid fight.
But the Normandy pack struck even harder. Three mastered games, surgical batting, measured pitches, double plays executed with flair: the Huskies gave the Barracudas no chance. It’s not that Montpellier underperformed, but the contrast was glaring: the Rouen side was simply too powerful. Result: a 19th title in 22 seasons for the Huskies. A figure that commands admiration, fatigue, or astonishment, depending on one’s perspective.
The season itself was rich and thrilling, marked by great matchups and intense suspense. Now it’s time for a review. And one question burns on everyone’s lips: is French baseball really progressing? Answers this winter, through a series of analyses.
Division 2: PUC takes an option
In Division 2, Meyzieu and PUC kicked off their series this weekend. First act: a tight duel, where it took until the 7th inning for PUC to score the decisive point. Meyzieu’s four errors proved very costly.
The second game was far less balanced: PUC rolled on, stringing together hits in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th innings to win comfortably. With two wins to zero, the Parisian club edges closer to promotion. Meyzieu will need to find mental and physical resources next weekend, at home, to hope to turn the tide.
Softball: Italy still reigns, France on the podium’s doorstep
In the European Softball Cup, Italian dominance continues. The Transalpines once again claim the continental title, confirming their supremacy.
On the French side, there are still reasons for hope. The Bleues have risen among the six best nations in the group stages, a significant result in itself. They finish 6th, after defeats to the Czechs and the Italians. But a narrow victory (1-0) over Spain, 4th in the competition, proves that the step up to the podium isn’t so high anymore.
Still, the ceiling of the 5th place seems to persist. Nations like England or the Czech Republic have managed to take a step up in recent years, while France stagnates. Lack of resources, linked to the low interest of national sports authorities in baseball-softball, remains a major hurdle. A one-off feat is possible, but sustained progress will depend on another model. Salvation will likely come from within French softball itself, which will need to find its own resources to aim higher.
Photo Credit: PUC/Meyzieu : Thomas Savoja
