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Dutch Team finishes in second place
 Nederlandse tekst
BOLLATE (Italy) -
The Dutch National Softball Team on Sunday finished in second place, as the final of the Torneo 150 Anni Unitá d'Italia in Bollate rained out.
Therefore, the final standings were made up based on the preliminary round.
On Saturday, the Dutch were beaten by Italy, which therefore ended in first place.
The earlier won game vs. Italy wasn't part of the tournament.
The day started cloudy and rainy, but when the team traveled to the field, it appeared that the final could be played in the afternoon.
When the team arrived on the field, the game for the third and fourth place was in progress.
The Dutch team first made an official teamphoto, then started preparations for the final, which was moved up to start earlier because of the weather conditions.
Shortly after starting the pre-game activities, it started to rain harder again, resulting in the field becoming unplayable.
The organization therefore had to cancel the game and base the final standings on the preliminary round.
Kate Robinson of organisor Sanotint Bollate was named Most Valuable Player, while Stella Turazzi won the award for Best Pitcher.
Lenka Jaklová of SK Joudrs Praha was the Best Hitter of the tournament.
After having a meal on the field, the team returned to the hotel and had the afternoon off.
Most of us watched the Roland Garros tennis-final between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in Paris.
In the evening, the team watched the last part of the movie Rudy, then ate pizza together.
Unfortunately, the weather conditions were not in favor of the tournament, but the Bollate Softball Club did an outstanding job organizing the event.
A lot of volunteers worked at the field during the 4-day event, whether it was on the field or preparing and serving meals.
Through this, the Dutch National Softball Team wants to say a big thank you to the Bollate Softball-family for their work and hospitality.
The day started with a brief team-meeting
A view of the lobby of the hotel
The players on their way to the field after it had rained again overnight
Before starting the pre-game preparations for the final, a team photo was taken
(photo taken by Jeroen van Eijndhoven)
But shortly after starting the warming-up, it began to rain heavily again
And so, everyone waited in the tent
But the players kept on smiling, like here Virginie Anneveld and Chantal Versluis
Jeroen van Eijndhoven makes some additional shots
More smiles: Rebecca Soumeru and Virginie Anneveld
The trophees and individual awards
All teams are in the tent attending the Award Ceremony
Bollate's President Dino Soldi hands the third place trophy to Bollate
Saskia Kosterink with the second place trophy and the Memorial Marco Pistocchi Trophy
At left is Mrs. Pistocchi and Bollate's President Dino Soldi is at right
The first prize went to Italy
The Individual Awards
Lenka Jaklová (Joudrs) was the Best Hitter and Stella Turazzi (Italy) the Best Pitcher
The Most Valuable Player Award went to Kate Robinson (Bollate)
Bollate's President Dino Soldi closed the tournament and thanked everyone
The awards and Head Coach Craig Montvidas
Lindsey Meadows, Coach Karen Marr and Solange Starrenburg
Ginger de Weert wins a prize in the lottery
And Rebecca Soumeru shows what Ginger has won
A curious spectator
Several hours after the final had been called off, the field was still unplayable
The Dutch Team poses with members of the Bollate Softball Club
Before leaving, the Dutch players thank all volunteers personally
The team arrives back in the hotel
Team Manager Paul Boonstra gives the latest information for the remainder of the day
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