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Dutch Team splits Holland Tour double-header with Juniors
On a cloudy and in the end chilly day, the Dutch National Softball Team played a double-header against the Dutch National Junior Team on Sunday, May 19 in De Bilt on the second day of the sixth Holland Tour. The two reigning European champions split the double-header. The National Team won the opener with a 15-0, but then the Juniors won the next game, 6-1. In the opener, Dinet Oosting hit three doubles and Virginie Anneveld went 4-for-5, while Karin Tuk homered in Game 2.
Recap & photos (Eng.) | Verslag & foto's (Ned.)

Holland Tour-opener shortened by rain
On Wednesday, May 8, the opening game of this years Holland Tour was interrupted twice by rain, then stopped definitively with two outs in the top of the fourth inning. At that moment, the Dutch National Softball Team was leading 6-0 against the Dutch Junior Red Team. The Orange squad collected six basehits, including four doubles, hit by Dinet Oosting (2), Merel Oosterveld and rookie Rachel van Veen. Virginie Anneveld and Nathalie Gosewehr accounted for the other two hits, while Lizzie Clarijs and Manoa Weijgertse singled for the Juniors. The game was halted in the top of the fourth inning and ended with a nice rainbow.
Recap & photos (Eng.) | Verslag & foto's (Ned.)

Dutch Team meets Dutch Juniors
The Dutch National Softball Team will play an exhibition game on Wednesday-evening May 8 against the Junior Red Team. The game will be played at the site of Amsterdam Pirates and starts at 7 PM.
The Junior White Team also gets into action on Wednesday-evening and will play at the site of Houten Dragons. That game will start around 6:30 PM.

This weekend National Team Showcase
On Saturday and Sunday, February 23 and 24, the third National Softball Team Showcase takes place in Hall 1 of Sporthallen Zuid in Amsterdam. Also on Saturday, the third tournament for handicapped people (G-ball) is held in Hall 2. During the first two editions of the Showcase, games were played by the Dutch National Team and the two National Youth Teams. This time, all players participate in several instructional clinics, focussing on hitting, running, throwing, defense, communication and more. Both on Saturday and Sunday, practices start at 10 AM and are concluded at 6 PM. The Showcase is open for everyone interested in seeing the Dutch National Teams at work.

Team Blue wins first game in Tulip League
Friday, February 22 was the day after. The day after participation in the NPF was canceled. But despite that, the team was back on the (indoor)field and while very disappointed, the players acted professionally and did their job in the sixth indoor game of the Tulip League Season in Amsterdam. Today's game, which lasted eight innings, ended in an 1-0 win for Team Blue, which registered its first win. The lone run was scored in the third inning on a double by Sophie Bugter.
The complete recap and photos will be added soon.

Dutch participation in NPF canceled
On Thursday, February 21, the Dutch Federation (KNBSB) announced that the participation of the Dutch National Softball Team this season in the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) was canceled. Two days earlier, the schedule for the NPF was announced, but the dates (August 22-25) for its Play-Offs (with participation of four of the five teams) conflict with the dates of the European Cup-tournaments (August 19-25). The 15 players, who were named last week to play in the NPF, were to be back in time to participate with their clubteam in these tournaments. After several talks from Tuesday through Thursday between the Dutch Federation, Head Coach Craig Montvidas and NPF-executives, it finally had to be reported on Thursday, that the participation (for this year) was canceled.

Another tie in the Tulip League
On Friday, February 15, the fifth game was played in the Tulip League Indoor Season. Today's game between Team Orange and Team Blue ended in a 3-3 tie, the same score as in the opener on January 11. Team Orange held the lead twice, but Team Blue tied the score both times. Team Orange opened the score in the first at bat, then saw Team Blue come alongside in the next at bat. In the third inning, Team Orange re-took the lead by scoring twice on five basehits, but Team Blue then scored two runs in the sixth inning to make it a 3-3 tie.
The complete recap and photos will be added soon.

Roster Dutch Team named for NPF
Head Coach Craig Montvidas has named the 15 players, who will participated with the Dutch National Softball Team in this years National Pro Fastpitch (NPF). Eight players were named as alternate, while two players are not eligible due to NCAA-regulations. The NPF-roster was released officially on Thursday, February 14. In the weekend before, in Amsterdam, the Dutch Federation (KNBSB) held a meeting with the big league-clubs concerning the participation in the NPF. A meeting to discuss the format of this years big league competition is scheduled.
More on the Dutch NPF-roster (Eng.) | Meer over het Oranje NPF-roster (Ned.)

Coverage Future Stars Tournament
Coverage of the 2-day Donnay/Right To Play Future Stars Indoor Softball Tournament has been added to the site. Five teams, compiled from players of the two Dutch Junior Teams participated in the annual event with Team Purple becoming the champion. The 13 games were highlighted again by good hitting, several nice defensive plays, fine pitching, baserunning and other performances. Recaps and Box Scores of all 13 games, illustrated by more than 300 photos, have now been added.
Coverage Future Stars Tournament (in Dutch only) | Coverage Future Stars Tournament (Ned.)

Dutch National Team to play in NPF this season
The Dutch National Softball Team joins the National Pro Fastpitch and wil be part of the highest reachable professional softball-league in the world this season. From May through August, 15 Dutch players will be part of the league, playing as a team and be based in Peoria (Illinois). On Wednesday, February 6, at the Head Office of the Dutch Federation (KNBSB) in Nieuwegein, the option to play in the NPF was discussed with the players, who unanimously decided to go forward with the plan. Today, on Saturday, February 9, on Day 1 of the annual Donnay/Right To Play Future Stars Tournament in Amsterdam, the KNBSB discussed the participation in the NPF with the clubs and then announced tha participation of the Dutch squad in the NPF.
More on the NPF-participation (Eng.) | Meer over de NPF-deelname (Ned.)

This weekend: Donnay/Right To Play Future Stars Tournament
On Saturday and Sunday, February 9 and 10, the fourth edition of the Donnay/Right To Play Future Stars Softball Tournament is scheduled. In the Amsterdam-based Sporthallen Zuid, 13 games will be played. Five teams are participating in the event and are compiled from the players who are currently on the preliminary rosters of the Dutch Junior Red and White Teams.

On Saturday, the schedule starts at 9:30 AM, on Sunday, the first game is scheduled to begin at 10 AM.

Fourth Tulip League-game in the books
On Friday, February 8, the fourth game was played in this years Tulip League Indoor Season in Amsterdam. Today, Team Orange won 6-4 in an attractive match-up. Team Blue was outhit 10-5, but nevertheless took a 4-0 lead in the first at bat. Team Orange tied the score with a 4-run rally in the second inning, highlighted by back-to-back doubles by Dinet Oosting and Chantal Versluis. A double by Virginie Anneveld in the fifth inning and back-to-back doubles by Karin Tuk and Nathalie Gosewehr in the seventh at bat then contributed to two more runs for Team Orange to win the game.
The complete recap and photos will be added soon.

Shutout-win for Team Orange in Tulip League
Team Orange registered its second win in the Tulip League Indoor Season, registering a 5-0 shutout against Team Blue on Friday, February 1 in Sporthallen Zuid in Amsterdam. Team Orange outhit Team Blue 9-3. Leading 2-0, the highlight of the game came in the fourth inning when Virginie Anneveld hit a 3-run homerun to make it 5-0. The game also saw some fine defensive plays.
Recap of today's activities (Eng.) | Verslag van de activiteiten van vandaag (Ned.)

Situations instead of playing
On Friday, January 25, the third day of the Tulip League Indoor Season, no game was played. Instead, the players (and umpires) participated in several defensive situations. The first part of the practice session focused on bunt-defense, the second part on hitting with runners on base. The Tulip League Season in Amsterdam resumes on Friday, February 1.
Recap of today's activities (Eng.) | Verslag van de activiteiten van vandaag (Ned.)

Two homeruns in second indoor-game Dutch Team
The Dutch National Softball Team played its second intersquad indoor game in the Tulip League on Friday, January 18 in Amsterdam. In today's game, Team Orange won 4-2 vs. Team Blue. A homerun was hit by each team. Nathalie Gosewehr led off the first inning for Orange with a homerun to give the team an early lead. In the third at bat, Lindsey Meadows lined a homerun for Blue to tie the score. While it appeared that this game also would end in a tie, two errors followed in the bottom of the seventh inning with two outs to give Orange a 4-2 win.
Recap of the second game (Eng.) | Verslag van de tweede wedstrijd (Ned.)

Dutch Team opens Tulip League 2013
The Dutch National Softball Team opened the 2013 Tulip League Indoor Season on Friday, January 11 with its first intersquad indoor game, two days after starting their 3-days-a-week practice schedule on Wednesday. At their indoor facility in Amsterdam, the opening game of the season ended in a 3-3 tie. With this, the 2013 softball-season is underway and the road to Prague has started. The opening game saw several nice plays and was very attractive.
Recap of the first game (Eng.) | Verslag van de eerste wedstrijd (Ned.)

Dutch National Team runs for Right To Play
On Sunday, January 13, the players of the Dutch National Softball Team are participating in the PWM Egmond Half Marathon and will run a quarter marathon in the city of Egmond aan Zee. The marathon is a project of Right To Play, which has several projects throughout the world enabling children to participate in sports. The participants are requested to be sponsored by friends, family, colleagues, etc. with an expected minimum total of 120 Euro. The goal for this event is to support at least 100 children with sports and games. The Dutch National Softball Team is ambassador of Right To Play since 2009 and with the participation of the players, the squad supports this marathon.
Donations to the participating players can be done through their personal page for this marathon and will be accepted by Alvarum, which is easy and safe.
Go here for the listing of the participating players and their personal page

Kimberly Jones withdraws from preliminary roster
On January 8, Kimberly Jones announced that she would step down for this year from the preliminary roster of the Dutch National Softball Team, as it is unable to combine her study with the practice schedule of the national squad. In 2012, Kimberly closed her career in the Dutch Junior Red Team with a European title, then was one of four players of this squad to be added to the preliminary roster of the Dutch National Team. In 2013, Kimberly will focus on her study and her season with Alcmaria Victrix, with whom she won the Dutch championship last year.

Saskia doubles in All Star Game
Saskia Kosterink doubled and flied out on January 6 in the inaugural Softball Australia All Star Game in Blacktown. With the All Star Team, she won the game 7-0 against the Chairman's XV. In the game, Saskia missed a homerun by only a foot to settle for a double. Also playing the game was her American teammate from Western Australia, Brittany Rumfelt. On the photo left, Saskia poses with Italian player Ilaria Pino, who also plays in Australia. In the days leading up to the All Star-event, Saskia hit a walk-off, RBI-single for Western Australia in a 5-4 win against Victoria Titans to reach the final of the Edebone Weber Shield. In the final, Saskia hit 2-for-3, but the team lost 2-1 to Queensland Heat.

Saskia Kosterink elected in Australian All Star Game
Dutch National Team-player Saskia Kosterink has been elected to participate in the inaugural Softball Australia All Star Game. The announcement was made on December 20. Saskia is playing in her first season down under, playing for Western Australia Flames. In the All Star Team, Saskia will be joined by Italian player Ilaria Pino and Australian National Team-players like Aimee Murch, Jocelyn McCallum, Stacey Porter and Melinda Weaver. The All Star Game will be played on January 6.

Nathalie Gosewehr MVP, Dagmar Bloeming Best Pitcher
On December 8, in Rotterdam, the annual awards were handed out to the best players of the regular big league season. All awards went to National Team-players. Nathalie Gosewehr (who led the league in runs scored and on base percentage) was named Most Valuable Player, while Dagmar Bloeming, who was 16-0, won the award for Best Pitcher. Virginie Anneveld got the trophy for Best Hitter, finishing the season with a .470 batting average. For the third season in a row and fourth time in five years, Chantal Versluis stole the most bases, while Karin Tuk was honored for hitting the most homeruns. Her nine fourbaggers set a new single-season record. Nathalie Timmermans won the Egbert van der Sluis Memorial Trophy for best international player under 23 for the second year in a row.
Dutch National Team Head Coach Craig Montvidas won his second consecutive Coach of the Year, which he had to share this time with Gonny Farley, who led Alcmaria Victrix to its first national chanmpionship title. Berend Mannessen, who joined the technical staff of the Dutch National Teams in 2012, won the Nol Houtkamp Award for his contributions to player development through the years. Dutch Junior Red-players Ilona Andringa, Kimberly Jones and Noëmie Brandjes also won awards. Ilona was named Best Junior Pitcher and won the Riet Vermaat Trophy, while the other two were awarded the Bep van Beijmerwerdt Trophy for Best Junior Player.

Fabienne van Uden, Solange Starrenburg withdraw from squad
Outfielders Fabienne van Uden and Solange Starrenburg in October announced that they have withdrawn from the Dutch National Softball Team. The two players belonged for the group of 31 players on the preliminary roster of the squad, who were invited to attend practices, starting in November. Solange was a member of the Dutch Team since December 2008 and played in 39 official international games for the Orange. Fabienne joined the team in October 2009 and since then played in 19 official games for the National Team. Both will remain active in the Dutch big league, playing for Hotel Ambassador c.c. Terrasvogels and Gryphons respectively.

Dutch Team closes 2012 season
On September 26, the Dutch National Softball Team closed its 2012 season with a final practice session in Nieuwegein. After completion of the training, several items were discussed for the upcoming season, including the schedule of practices that start again in November. Also today, Meike Witteveen announced her withdrawal from the National Team, as she want to take a break in softball to focus on other interests. She also decided not to play in the highest division in 2013.

Try-out Dutch Junior White Team
National Team Program Supervisor Craig Montvidas led a team of coaches on Saturday and Sunday, September 15 and 16 during a 2-day try-out session for new players for the Dutch Junior White Team for the 2013 season. A total of 66 players participated in the try-out, which was conducted at the site of Nieuwegein Diamonds in Nieuwegein, which has been the home of the Dutch National Teams the past few years.
Recap and Photos (Dutch language only)

World Championship Update; Photos Added
All recaps of the World Championship have been updated with additional information and photos. In total, 668 photos have been added. To read the recaps and see the additional photos, scroll through the list below and choose one of the recaps (or all).

Dutch Team returns home safely
The Dutch National Softball Team returned home safely on Tuesday, July 24 after a flight of nine hours and 12 minutes from Vancouver. The team took off from Vancouver International Airport at 4:05 PM local time on Monday (1:05 AM Dutch time) and arrived ahead of schedule, touching down at 10:17 AM local time at Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport, where it was 78 degrees (25 Celsius). At the airport, the team was awaited by Karin Vroonhof, member of the board of the KNBSB, who handed all members of the team flowers on behalf of the board to congratulate them with the great result during the World Championship.
Recap and Photos Day 31 (Eng.) | Verslag en Foto's Dag 31 (Ned.)

Dutch Team on its way home
The Dutch National Softball Team, which finished in sixth place at the World Championship, is on its way home. Today, Monday, July 23, the team flew in the morning from Whitehorse to Vancouver. The Boeing-737 of Air North left the runway in Whitehorse at 9:15 AM local time (6:15 PM Dutch time) and landed one hour and 19 minutes later at 10:34 PM (7:34 PM Dutch time) in Vancouver, where it rained with a temperature of 57 degrees (13 Celsius). At 4 PM (1 AM Dutch time), the team leaves Vancouver for the flight to Amsterdam. The team is scheduled to arrive at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport at 10:20 AM on Tuesday-morning.

Japan dethrones USA and captures first world title in 42 years!
Japan upset reigning world champion USA on Sunday, July 22 in the final of the World Championship in Canada by winning 2-1 in a 10-inning thriller. Pitching star Yukiko Ueno threw all 10 innings for Japan and gave up only three basehits. Team USA captured seven world titles since 1986, but Japan ended their reign by capturing its first title since 1970 and second overall. Australia won the bronze medal.
During the Closing Ceremony, the ISF flag was passed on to the next host city of the World Championship in 2014, which is Haarlem, the Netherlands.
Recap and Photos Day 29 (Eng.) | Verslag en Foto's Dag 29 (Ned.)

Dutch Team finishes in sixth place after loss
The Dutch National Softball Team on Saturday, July 21, was shutout 4-0 by host Canada on Day 2 of the Play-Offs of the World Championship in Whitehorse. With the loss, the Dutch squad was eliminated, but finished in an all-time best sixth place, equaling the accomplishment of 1974. Dutch softball now belongs to the top-6 of the world! The last days, the Dutch Softball Team underscored it has grown again and can compete with any opponent. During the preliminary round, the team reached the Play-Offs on its own strength and didn't need 'help' from others. The Dutch Team again has climbed on the international ladder, finishing two spots higher than two years ago in Venezuela.
Recap and Photos Day 28 (Eng.) | Verslag en Foto's Dag 28 (Ned.)

Dutch Team beats Taipei to write history!
The Dutch National Softball Team opened the Play-Offs of the World Championship in Whitehorse on Friday, July 20 with a 4-3 victory vs. Chinese Taipei in a game with a suspenseful ending. With the win, the Dutch Team wrote history as it became only the second time that a Dutch Softball Team advanced to the second round of the Play-Offs. With this, the squad will not finish lower than sixth place, which is the best result ever in Dutch softball-history. On Saturday, the Orange now will meet Canada, which lost 4-2 against the USA. This game starts at 12:00 PM local (9 PM Dutch time).
Recap and Photos Day 27 (Eng.) | Verslag en Foto's Dag 27 (Ned.)

Dutch Team beats Puerto Rico; finish third in pool
The Dutch National Softbal Team on Thursday, July 19, trailed 1-0 after the first inning, but turned the game around and won comfortably with a 7-1 score against Puerto Rico to claim third place in their pool. Virginie Anneveld hit a 3-run homerun, scored twice and had four RBI's, while starting pitcher Dagmar Bloeming gave up only three hits in five innings, before being relieved by Rebecca Soumeru, who gave up only more basehit.
With the win, the Orange will start the Play-Offs on Friday against the number four placed team from Pool B. The game starts at 12:00 PM local time (9 PM Dutch time).
Recap and Photos Day 26 (Eng.) | Verslag en Foto's Dag 26 (Ned.)

Dutch Team shutout by USA, but clinches Play-Offs!
The Dutch National Softball Team on Wednesday, July 18, clinched a spot in the Play-Offs of the World Championship. With its four wins, the Dutch Team already was close to clinching the Play-Offs, but due to a combination of results of other games on Wednesday, the Orange knew it secured a spot in the Play-Offs before facing Team USA in the late afternoon. The USA had to work hard against the Orange, just as in Oklahoma City a few weeks ago, and led only 1-0 after five innings. A homerun then helped Team USA to win 4-0. The Dutch Team faces Puerto Rico in its last game of the preliminary round on Thursday.
Recap and Photos Day 25 (Eng.) | Verslag en Foto's Dag 25 (Ned.)

Dutch Team registers big shutout against South Africa
The Dutch National Softball Team on Tuesday, July 17, registered a big 13-0 shutout-victory against South Africa to win its fourth game in a row. The Orange collected 10 basehits, including the third homerun of the event by Nathalie Timmermans and the first by Virginie Anneveld. Pitcher Femke van Dusschoten threw a 4-inning No-Hitter in this game which started three hours later due to rain. On Wednesday, the Dutch Team faces Team USA and can reach the Play-Offs.
Recap and Photos Day 24 (Eng.) | Verslag en Foto's Dag 24 (Ned.)

Dutch Team wins crucial game vs. Venezuela to approach Play-Offs
The Duch National Sofball Team on Monday, July 16, registered an important 5-1 victory in a crucial game against Venezuela on Day 4 of the World Championship in Whitehorse. The win was accomplished on three homeruns. The team now has won three of its four games played and is closing in on clinching a spot in the Play-Offs. The Orange have three games left in the preliminary round. On Tuesday, the team faces South Africa, to be followed with games against the USA and Puerto Rico.
Recap and Photos Day 23 (Eng.) | Verslag en Foto's Dag 23 (Ned.)

Dutch win big against Czechs
On Sunday, July 15, the Dutch National Softball Team won big against the Czech Republic on Day 3 of the World Championship. After two scoreless innings, the Dutch opened the score, then took a 5-0 lead when Nathalie Timmermans hit a grand slam homerun in the fourth inning. The Czechs then scored twice, but the Dutch answered with four runs to win 9-2 in six innings.
Recap and Photos Day 22 (Eng.) | Verslag en Foto's Dag 22 (Ned.)

Big win and No-Hitter Dutch Team against Argentina
The Dutch National Softball Team won big on Saturday, July 14, as the squad shutout Argentina, 9-0 in five innings. After losing its opening game on Friday in 8 innings against China, the Dutch recovered fine and today belted nine basehits, including a 2-run homerun by Britt Vonk. Pitchers Lindsey Meadows (4 innings) and Femke van Dusschoten (1 inning) threw a combined No-Hitter.
Recap and Photos Day 21 (Eng.) | Verslag en Foto's Dag 21 (Ned.)

Dutch Team opens World Championship with loss
The Dutch National Softball Team opened the World Championship on Friday, July 13 with a 3-2 loss vs. China. The Orange squad was one out away from an upset 2-0 victory, but then China hit two basehits and scored twice to tie the score in the bottom of the 7th inning to force extra innings. Dutch pitcher Dagmar Bloeming threw a strong game, giving up only two hits in the first six at bats. The Dutch Team hit five and opened the score on two errors in the first inning. A squeeze by Chantal Versluis in the fifth inning made it 2-0. China then came alongside in the seventh and scored the winning run on an error in the eighth.
Recap and Photos Day 20 (Eng.) | Verslag en Foto's Dag 20 (Ned.)

Dutch Team beats Chinese Taipei in exhibition game
The Dutch National Softball Team on Thursday won 7-1 vs. Chinese Taipei in an exhibition game, which was the final preparation for the upcoming World Championship. The Orange outhit the Asian squad, 10-3 and rallied for four runs in the fourth inning. Britt Vonk got four runs batted in. The Dutch Team opens the World Championship on Friday-evening vs. China.
Recap and Photos Day 19 (Eng.) | Verslag en Foto's Dag 19 (Ned.)

All World Championship-games to be webstreamed live
All 66 games from the ISF XIII Women’s World Championship will be webstreamed. The games will be streamed live and there is no fee involved for viewers. Games will be recorded and archived for on-demand viewing as well. Starting July 13, the games can be viewed on www.sportscanada.tv.

Join the Dutch fundraiser
To raise more funds for the Dutch National Softball Team in order to develop the program and be able to participate in international events, a special fundraise-competition has been set up. Predict the scores of the games of the World Championship, or who will score the first Dutch basehit or score the first Dutch run. Or who will have the first RBI and which Dutch pitcher throws the first strikeout? Several prices can be won.
Go here for more details (Eng.) | Ga hierheen voor meer details (Ned.)

Dutch Team back on the field
On Wednesday, July 11, the Dutch National Softball Team returned to the field, as it held a practice in the morning under a clouded sky. After practice, the team returned to the hotel, then visited Takhini Hot Springs in the afternoon to have a last relaxing moment before the start of the World Championship. On Thursday-evening, the Dutch Team plays a final exhibition game, meeting the squad of Chinese Taipei. On Friday-evening, the Orange opens the World Championship against China, starting at 7:30 PM local time (4:30 AM Dutch time Saturday-morning).
Recap and Photos Day 18 (Eng.) | Verslag en Foto's Dag 18 (Ned.)

Dutch Team arrives safely in Whitehorse
On Tuesday, July 10, the Dutch National Softball Team has arrived safely in Whitehorse (Canada) where it currently is cloudy with a temperature is 51 degrees Fahrenheit (10 Celsius). Today, the team flew from Vancouver to Whitehorse, where the Air North Boeing 737 touched down at 1:45 PM local time (10:45 PM Dutch time) after a 2-hour flight. On Wednesday, the squad will have a practice, then play an exhition game against Chinese Taipei on Thursday-evening. Next Friday, July 13, the Orange opens the World Championship against China, starting at 7:30 PM local time (4:30 AM Dutch time, Saturday-morning). All games during the World Championship can be followed live via a video-stream. The link for that coverage will be added when the event begins.
Recap and Photos Day 17 (Eng.) | Verslag en Foto's Dag 17 (Ned.)

Dutch Team travels to Canada
The Dutch National Softball Team on Monday, July 9 traveled by bus from Seattle to Vancouver in Canada. On Day 16 of the trip, the team left the campus of the University of Washington in Seattle around 10 AM (7 PM Dutch time), boarded the bus and drove towards the nearby Canadian border. At the border, all items in the bus had to be checked and scanned before Canada could be entered and that took some one-and-a-half-hour. From the border, it was on to Vancouver, where the team stayed overnight near the airport. On Tuesday, the team flies to Whitehorse, the site for the upcoming World Championship.
Recap and Photos Day 16 (Eng.) | Verslag en Foto's Dag 16 (Ned.)

Day off on final day in Seattle
On its final full day in Seattle, the Dutch National Softball Team had the day off on Sunday, July 8. Today, the team traveled to the nearby Snoqualmie Falls, visited a shopping mall (spending their last American dollars) and relaxed in a park with a big lake. In the evening, it was time to pack everything, as the team leaves the hotel Monday-morning at 10 AM (7 PM Dutch time) for the bus-journey to the Canadian border. Then it's on to Vancouver, where the team stays overnight. On Tuesday, the flight to Whitehorse is on the schedule.
Recap and Photos Day 15 (Eng.) | Verslag en Foto's Dag 15 (Ned.)

Dutch Team shows power in second double-header
On Saturday, July 7, the Dutch National Softball Team played its second and last double-header to wrap up its Training Camp at the site of the University of Washington in Seattle. The Orange today won 10-2 and 9-2 vs. the Washington LadyHawks Gold. In today's double-header, the Dutch squad collected 24 basehits, including six (!) homeruns, which were hit by Nathalie Gosewehr, Areke Spel, Chantal Versluis (2), Saskia Kosterink and Karin Tuk. On Sunday, the Dutch Team has the day off and on Monday-morning, the team leaves Seattle to cross the Canadian border in the afternoon. After spending the night in Vancouver, the squad flies to Whitehorse on Tuesday for the upcoming World Championship.
Recap and Photos Day 14 (Eng.) | Verslag en Foto's Dag 14 (Ned.)

Dutch Team wins first double-header
The Dutch National Softball Team on Friday, July 6, played its first of two double-headers during its Training Camp in Seattle, where the final preparations are under way for the upcoming World Championship in Whitehorse (Canada). At the Softball Stadium of the University of Washington, the Orange met the team of Washington Lake Breeze Gold and won twice, 9-0 and 10-2. In Game 2, Lindsey Meadows and Virginie Anneveld homered for the Dutch. On Saturday, the Dutch squad plays its second and last double-header, which also starts at 5:00 PM local time (2 AM Dutch time).
Recap and Photos Day 13 (Eng.) | Verslag en Foto's Dag 13 (Ned.)

Dutch Team back on the field and sightseeing
The Dutch National Softball Team was back on the field on Thursday, July 5 having a practice session in the softball stadium of the University of Washington. The stadium also will be the site of the double-headers to be played on Friday and Saturday. After completion of the training, the team went to downtown Seattle to do some sightseeing, including a visit to the wellknown Space Needle. But on Friday, the focus is back to softball again with two games two be played. The first game starts at 5:00 PM local time (2:00 AM Dutch time).
Recap and Photos Day 12 (Eng.) | Verslag en Foto's Dag 12 (Ned.)

Dutch Team enjoys days off on Fourth of July
The Dutch National Softball Team enjoyed its day off on Wednesday, July 4, its first full day in Seattle. Today, the team attended the local 4th of July Parade in Bothell, the site of one of the campuses of the University of Washington, where the team stays. Hereafter, the team was invited for a barbecue and in the evening, the team watched the big fireworks. On Thursday, the team will be back on the field for a practice session in the softball stadium of the University of Washington.
Recap and Photos Day 11 (Eng.) | Verslag en Foto's Dag 11 (Ned.)

Dutch Team arrives in Seattle
The Dutch National Softball Team traveled from Oklahoma City to Seattle via Salt Lake City on Tuesday, July 3. In the afternoon, the team made an almost 2-hours flight from Oklahoma City to Salt Lake City for a brief 2-hour stop-over. Hereafter, the team flew to Seattle where it arrived early in the evening. In the coming days, the squad will practice and play at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Recap and Photos Day 10 (Eng.) | Verslag en Foto's Dag 10 (Ned.)

Dutch Team finish fourth, despite late comeback
After trailing 6-0 after two innings, the Dutch National Softball Team staged a late, 7th inning 4-run comeback on Monday, July 2, to turn a 7-4 deficit into an 8-7 lead, but then Canada did the same. In the home of the seventh, Canada first tied the score, then a 3-run, 2-out, walk-off homerun resulted in an 11-8 victory. With the win Canada won the bronze medal, while the Orange had to settle for fourth place. Three years ago, the Dutch Team ended its first participation in the World Cup of Softball with a fifth position. On Monday-evening, Team USA won the tournament with a 3-0 shutout-win vs. Australia.
Recap and Photos Day 9 (Eng.) | Verslag en Foto's Dag 9 (Ned.)

Dutch Team scoreless vs. Australia; plays for Bronze
The Dutch National Softball Team on Sunday, July 1 was shutout 4-0 by Australia, which therefore qualifies for the Final Game of the World Cup of Softball against Team USA, that won 9-0 vs. Brazil earlier in the day. The Dutch Team will play in the Bronze Medal Game on Monday, which starts at 4 PM local (11 PM Dutch time). In that game, the Orange faces Canada, whom it beat 7-6 in the opener of the World Cup of Softball. Canada reached the game by winning 13-0 vs. Brazil, after having won 7-0 vs. Puerto Rico before that.
The final of the tournament will be broadcasted tape-delayed by ESPN America on Tuesday, July 3, starting at 2 PM Dutch time.
Recap and Photos Day 8 (Eng.) | Verslag en Foto's Dag 8 (Ned.)

Dutch Team suffers one-run loss vs. USA
Team USA nipped the Dutch Softball Team only 2-1 on Saturday, June 30 on the third day of playing at the World Cup of Softball. And so, the Dutch squad again left a great impression on the field in Oklahoma City. The team made the USA work hard and even took an 1-0 lead in the fifth inning when Nathalie Timmermans homered. The Americans came alongside moments later, then took a 2-1 lead on a homerun in the sixth at bat. For the Dutch Team, this was its first loss, while the Americans registered their third win. The Orange close the preliminary round on Sunday against Australia.
Recap and Photos Day 7 (Eng.) | Verslag en Foto's Dag 7 (Ned.)

Dutch Team also beats Brazil and Puerto Rico
On the second day of playing at the World Cup of Softball in Oklahoma City, the Dutch National Softball Team won its next two games on Friday, June 29 to remain unbeaten after three games. In the morning, the team came from behind to register its second victory, beating Brazil 4-3. Trailing 2-0 after five innings, the Dutch Team rallied for four runs in the sixth inning, hightlighted by a 2-run double by Nathalie Timmermans to take a 4-2 lead. Brazil scored one more run in the home of the sixth inning. Later in the day, the Dutch Team took charge of the game against Puerto Rico right away in the first at bat and went on to win 7-2, highlighted by a 2-run homerun by Karin Tuk, who had five RBI's.
On Saturday, the Dutch Team meets the USA in a game that starts at 11:00 AM (6 PM Dutch time). Check ESPN America is the game will be broadcast live. If not, it almost surely will be broadcast tape-delayed on Sunday-morning at 6 AM (Dutch time).
Recap and Photos Day 6 (Eng.) | Verslag en Foto's Dag 6 (Ned.)

Dutch Team opens WCS with victory
The Dutch National Softball Team opened the seventh edition of the World Cup of Softball in Oklahoma City on Thursday, June 28 with a 7-6 come-from-behind victory against Canada. The Dutch Team trailed twice (3-1 and 6-3), but tied the score both times, then scored what would be the winning run in the top of the seventh inning. The Dutch Team meets Brazil and Puerto Rico on Friday, which can be followed again through a live stream and a play-by-play.
Recap and Photos Day 5 (Eng.) | Verslag en Foto's Dag 5 (Ned.)

World Cup of Softball live on ESPN America
Starting on Thursday, ESPN America has scheduled live broadcasts of the games played by Team USA during the WCS. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, starting at 1 AM Dutch time, the games of Team USA vs. Puerto Rico, Australia and Canada can be seen live. On Sunday-evening at 7 PM the game vs. Brazil can be seen live. As of now, the game of Team USA vs. Netherlands on Saturday at 6 PM unfortunately is not planned to be broadcasted live (it is by ESPN2, but not by ESPN America), but there is a broadcast scheduled on ESPN America for Sunday-morning starting at 6 AM, which almost surely will be the tape-delayed coverage of the USA vs. Orange match-up. But to be sure, check ESPN America on Saturday-afternoon around 6 PM. You never know, the schedule might chance.

Live stream and Play-by-Play
Live streams as well as play-by-plays of all games played during the World Cup of Softball in Oklahoma City are available through the website of USA Softball.
Information of the tournament can also be found at the website of the Amateur Softball Association (ASA).

Dutch Team shut out by Australia in exhibition game
On Wednesday, June 27, the Dutch National Softball Team met Australia in the second and final exhibition game between the two teams before the start of the World Cup of Softball. The Orange suffered a big 9-0 loss, as Australia had four productive at bats, scoring nine runs, including three on a homerun. In the last three innings, the Aussies were held scoreless and added only two more basehits off Rebecca Soumeru, who pitched in relief of Lindsey Meadows and Femke van Dusschoten. The Dutch Team registered only three basehits. On Thursday, the Orange squad opens the World Cup of Softball against Canada with the game starting at 11:30 AM local time (6:30 PM Dutch time). Other participants in the seventh edition of the event are Australia, Brazil, Puerto Rico and the USA.
Recap and Photos Day 4 (Eng.) | Verslag en Foto's Dag 4 (Ned.)

Dutch Team beaten by Australia
The Dutch National Softbal Team was beaten 8-5 by Australia on Tuesday, June 26, in its first of two exhibition games against the squad to prepare for the upcoming World Cup of Softball. Both teams meet again on Wednesday-afternoon, starting at 5 PM local time (midnight Dutch time). The tournament starts on Thursday and the Dutch squad then opens against Canada. In today's game, all four Dutch pitchers threw and Nathalie Timmermans homered.
Recap and Photos Day 3 (Eng.) | Verslag en Foto's Dag 3 (Ned.)

Dutch Team starts with day off
On its first day in Oklahoma City, the Dutch National Softball Team had no activities scheduled. Today, Monday, June 25, the players rested, walked around and yes, did the first shopping. It was also announced today that the upcoming two exhibition games against the national team of Australia will start one hours earlier than announced. On both Tuesday and Wednesday, the Dutch meet the Aussies at 5 PM local time (midnight Dutch time).
Recap and Photos Day 2 (Eng.) | Verslag en Foto's Dag 2 (Ned.)

Dutch Team arrives in Oklahoma City
The Dutch National Softball Team on Sunday, June 24, arrived safely in Oklahoma City, where it will participate in the World Cup of Softball for the second time. On a very rainy Sunday-morning, the team ensembled at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. After boarding, the Delta Air Lines A330-300 left Gate E19 at 1:29 PM (nine minutes later than scheduled) and took off at 1:44 PM. It took the plane less than eight hours to bridge the distance between Amsterdam and Detroit and so, the plane touched down at 3:29 PM local time (9:29 PM Dutch time) and then arrived at Gate A54 twelve minutes later. And with this Coach Berend Mannessen experienced the first-ever flight in his life. The team then had a stop-over of almost four hours at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. At 7:34 PM (1:34 AM Dutch time), the Canadair (Bombardier) Regional Jet 700 of ExpressJet left Gate C25 and took off at 8:01 (2:01) for the almost 2-hour flight to Oklahoma City. At 8:54 PM (3:54 AM Dutch time), the plane touched down at Will Rogers Airport and after collecting the luggage, the team went to the hotel. The team has no activities planned for Monday, using the day for resting and acclimatize to the weather conditions, as it was 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 Celsius) when the team arrived on Sunday-evening. On Tuesday, the squad will play the first of two exhibition games against Australia.
Recap and Photos Day 1 (Eng.) | Verslag en Foto's Dag 1 (Ned.)

Roster announced for WCS and World Championship
Head Coach Craig Montvidas and his coaching staff on Friday, June 8, announced the names of the 17 players that were selected for the roster for the upcoming two international events. The Dutch squad first will participate for the second time in the World Cup of Softball in Oklahoma City (USA), then travels to Seattle (USA), before heading to Whitehorse (Canada) for the ISF World Championship. The 17-player team has no rookies on the roster. Two players, who were with the team the last two years at the World and the European Championship, this time were left off, while another player makes her international comeback after a 2-year absence.
More on the announcement (Eng.) | Meer over de bekendmaking (Ned.)

Britt's team eliminated in CWS semi final
The Golden Bears, the team of the University of California at Berkeley, first avoided elimination and advanced to the semi-final, but then was eliminated for the all-deciding final of the College World Series. On Saturday, June 2, California won 6-3 vs. Oregon to advance to the next game. In this game, Britt Vonk was 2-for-4 and batted in two runs with a double, while scoring once herself. California then faced Alabama in the semi-final, losing 5-2, meaning the Golden Bears were eliminated. The final will be played in a best-of-three between Alabama and Oklahoma on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Cal Bears shutout in Game 2
The Golden Bears were shutout 3-0 in their second game of the College World Series in Oklahoma City on Friday-evening, June 1. The team of Britt Vonk registered only two basehits off of pitcher Keilani Ricketts, who struckout 16 (!) batters to set a World Series-record. Opponent Oklahoma University opened the score in the third inning and added runs in the fourth and sixth, with the run in fourth being scored on a homerun. Cal Berkeley now faces the winner of the game between Tennessee and Oregon on Saturday-evening. The winner of that game meets Alabama, which has won its first two games. And that match-up will decide who will advance to the all-deciding championship best-of-three.

Britt Vonk opens World Series with win!
Britt Vonk and the Golden Bears, the team of the University of California at Berkeley, opened the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City on Thursday, May 31 with a 5-3 come-from-behind victory against Louisiana State University. Britt contributed in several ways in the opening win. The Bears trailed 2-0 in the third inning when Britt reached base in the third on a fielder's choice and went on to score the first run. In the bottom of the fifth inning, Britt bunted runner Jamia Reid to third base, who later scored the tying run. In the sixth, Cal Bears scored two runs, including the second one on a single by Britt. The Bears play their next game on Friday and then meets Oklahoma.

Nathalie Timmermans in All-Tournament Team
Nathalie Timmermans was one of three players of the University of Central Oklahoma that was named to the All-Tournament Team at the NCAA Division II World Series. In four games for the Broncos, Nathalie batted .500 (7-for-14), scored three runs, hit a homerun and had two RBI's. In the first game of the Division II Series, the Broncos won 4-2 vs. Flagler College, then a 6-4 win followed vs. Southern Connecticut State University. Hereafter, the Broncos lost twice to the University of California-San Diego, 4-3 and 2-0, to be eliminated for the final.

Nathalie Timmermans in NCAA Division II World Series!
Nathalie Timmermans will play in the NCAA Division II College World Series, which opens on Wednesday, May 16 in Louisville (Kentucky). Nathalie this season plays for the Broncos, the team of the University of Central Oklahoma and set her mark with the team. She finished the season as the team's best hitter with a .460 average (74-for-161) and also led with 22 homeruns and 66 RBI's, meaning she captured the Triple Crown. Nathalie also scored the most runs (72). UCO this season set a school record with 44 wins (only seven losses). It's the second time that UCO participates in the College World Series.

Britt Vonk in NCAA Regional
Britt Vonk and the Golden Bears, the softball-team of the University of California at Berkeley, on Friday captured the Pac-10 championship by winning 5-0 vs. Arizona. The team qualified for the NCAA Regional which opens at home on May 18. The Regional is the first step en route to the College World Series in Oklahoma City in June. It marks the 27th consecutive year that the Golden Bears participate in a postseason. The Golden Bears were 50-4 this season and Britt finished with a .331 batting average, scored 29 runs and has 27 RBI's.

Former Juniors added to preliminary roster
Lefthanded pitchers Jessie van Aalst and Eva Voortman were added to the preliminary roster of the Dutch National Softball Team in May after the two returned from the United States. There, the former pitchers of the Dutch Junior Team studied and played in Florida. Jessie played at Florida State College in Jacksonville and Eva pitched for Chipola College in Marianna. The two will join the National Team for practice sessions and all other activities of the squad.

Dutch players participate in National Youth Camp
For the second year in a row, the National Softball Youth Camp was being held in Bussum. On Tuesday, May 1, the 4-day camp opened and all players of the Dutch National Softball Team participated in the event as instructors. After registration, the camp went underway and the almost 60 participating players got instructed in several categories. The camp ended with an exhibition game by the Dutch Team.
Recap & Photos (Eng.) | Verslag & Foto's (Ned.)

Dutch Team conduct successful clinic in Assen
On Sunday, April 29, the Dutch National Softball Team traveled to Assen in the province of Drenthe. There, at the site of baseball and softball club Pioneers, the reigning European champion conducted a successful clinic for softball-players in the northern part of the country. Initially, the clinic was scheduled for last September, but was moved to April of this year. Local TV-station RTV Drenthe covered the clinic.
Recap & Video's (Eng.) | Verslag & Video's (Ned.)

Kayleigh Adelina withdraws from team
Kayleigh Adelina has informed the staff and the players that she has withdrawn from the preliminary roster of the Dutch National Softball Team. Kayleigh joined the National Team in January after having been invited in November to participate in the practice sessions. She had to make the difficult decision, as she needs more time for her study, making its impossible to combine this with the practices and other activities of the National Team. Of course, the coaches will follow the developments of Kayleigh for future considerations. This season Kayleigh makes her debut in the Dutch big league playing for UVV.

Dutch Team opens outdoor season
The Dutch National Softball Team played its first outdoor intersquad game of the season on Wednesday, April 25 on the site of Nieuwegein Diamonds in Nieuwegein. This is the first of a series of intersquad games that will be played on Wednesdays in Nieuwegein. The next intersquad game is scheduled for Wednesday, May 9. The team also will play a series of games during this years Holland Tour. Initially, this Tour was to open on Sunday, May 6, but the activities on that day were dropped due to make-up games in the Dutch big league.

Areke Spel Best Hitter in Enschede
Dutch National Team-player Areke Spel on Sunday, April 1, won the award for Best Hitter at the conclusion of the annual J.C.J. Mastenbroek Tournament in Enschede. Areke, who participated in the event with her clubteam Oolders Omaco Sparks Haarlem, finished with an .833 batting average to win the title. With Sparks Haarlem, she qualified for the final, but the team lost the deciding game 12-5 to Hotel Ambassador c.c. Terrasvogels. Sparks Haarlem led 3-1 in the last at bat, but then Terrasvogels rallied for eleven runs on nine basehits to win the game and the tournament. Last year, Terrasvogels also beat Sparks Haarlem in the final of the tournament.

Indoor Tulip League-season ends
The Dutch National Softball Team has ended its indoor-season without playing. Initially, the squad had two practice sessions and two intersquad games scheduled for Wednesday, March 28 and Friday, March 30 at their indoor facility in Amsterdam. However, due to a mix-up, the Dutch staff wasn't informed that the facility was to be used for other activities this week. And so, the indoor season has ended. The Dutch Team now will start its outdoor practice season on Wednesday, April 4 at the site of Nieuwegein Diamonds in Nieuwegein. There, the team will practice twice-weekly on Wednesdays and Fridays. Starting on Wednesday, April 25, the team will play an intersquad game weekly in Nieuwegein.

Saskia, Lindsey off to Italy
Dutch National Team-players Saskia Kosterink and Lindsey Meadows left for Italy on Thursday, March 22, to join their team for the start of the new softball-season. Saskia will play in her third season for Sanotint Bollate, while Lindsey will be her teammate there this season. Last year, Lindsey made her debut in the Italian Softball League, playing for Museo della Arte Nuoro. Nathalie Gosewehr, who last year also made her debut in Italy, playing for DES Caserta, will play again in the Dutch big league this season, re-joining her former team Oolders Omaco Sparks Haarlem, which last year won the Dutch championship.

Dutch Team back home safely
The Dutch National Softball Team arrived home safely on Tuesday, March 20 after an 8 hour, 52 minute flight from Miami (Florida) and were re-united with their family and loved ones. With this, the Team concluded a successful 21-day trip to the USA where 17 of the 21 games played were won. The Team is off for the rest of the week, but will resume practice on Wednesday, March 28 with an indoor session and indoor game at Amsterdam.
Recap Day 21 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 21 (Ned.)

Dutch Team on the way back home
The Dutch National Softball Team is on its way home. On Monday, the squad left the hotel in Clearwater at noon local time (5 PM Dutch time) to travel to Tampa International Airport. After handing in the vans and checking in, the squad boarded the Delta Air Lines Canadair (Bombardier) Regional Jet for the short flight to Miami. The plane left Gate E69 at 4:29 PM (9:29 PM Dutch), took off at 4:36 PM (9:36 PM Dutch) and after a 40-minute flight touched down at 5:16 PM (10:16 PM Dutch) at Miami International Airport. There, after a more than five hour stop-over, the team will board a Delta Air Lines MD11 for the flight to Amsterdam later tonight. This flight is scheduled to leave Miami at 10:50 PM local time (3:50 AM Dutch) and will arrive in Amsterdam on Tuesday-afternoon at 12:25 PM local (7:25 AM Florida-time).

Dutch Team closes American Tour with shutout-victory
The Dutch Softball Team played its 21st and last game of the American Tour on Sunday vs. the University of Maryland and closed the trip with a 6-0 win. With this, the team concluded with a 17-4 record. The team opened the score on a 2-run homerun by Areke Spel in the first inning, then added two runs in both the sixth and seventh at bat. The Dutch collected eight hits, including two by Karin Tuk and Areke Spel. Rebecca Soumeru, who started, but also re-entered as pitcher, struckout 10. The team flies back on Monday and will arrive in Amsterdam on Tuesday-afternoon.
Recap Day 19 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 19 (Ned.)

Dutch Team wins in tie-break vs. Towson University
The Dutch National Softball Team on Saturday-evening won 3-2 vs. Towson University in an 8-inning tie-break game. The game started somewhat later than scheduled and Towson opened the score in the first inning. The Dutch came alongside in the second at bat. Petra van Heijst then scored on a sac-fly by Merel Oosterveld. Femke van Dusschoten pitched the first two innings and was relieved by Ginger de Weert in the third. In the eighth inning, Petra van Heijst hit a 2-out, 2-run single to give the Dutch a 3-1 lead. In the home of the eighth, Towson could add only one more run. Mariëlle Vleugels, who took over in the fifth, threw the last four innings and did fine.
Recap Day 18 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 18 (Ned.)

Dutch Team delegation attend Jubilee Congress KNBSB
Head Coach Craig Montvidas, players Solange Starrenburg and Chantal Versluis and Media Officer Marco Stoovelaar represented the Dutch National Softball Team on Saturday, March 17 at the Jubilee Congress of the KNBSB in Rotterdam (Netherlands). On March 16, it was exactly 100 years ago that the then Netherlands Baseball Association was founded. In 1971, the Association merged with the Netherlands Amateur Sofball Association to become the Royal Dutch Baseball and Softball Association (KNBSB). The 100th anniversary was celebrated with a reception during the Congress of the European Baseball Confederation (CEB), which was held these days in Rotterdam. Also attending the anniversary were ISF President Don Porter and IBAF President Riccardo Fraccari.
More on the reception (Eng.) | Meer over de receptie (Ned.)

Dutch Team sets record with win vs. Florida State University
On Friday-evening, March 16, the Dutch Team won 6-1 vs. Florida State University to register its 15th victory of the trip. With this, the Team recorded the most wins ever during an American Tour. The win also came on the day that the Dutch Association celebrated its 100th anniversary after being founded on March 16, 1912. The jubilee-year officially starts tomorrow on March 17. In the game, Dagmar Bloeming was the winning pitcher for the fifth time, while Rebecca Soumeru earned her fifth save of the Tour. Dagmar struckout eight in four innings, then Rebecca added six more for a combined total of 14 strikeouts in this 3-hitter. Saskia Kosterink hit a 2-run homerun in the second at bat and Anne Blaauwgeers went 3-for-3. The lone FSU-run was a homerun in the fifth inning. Early this morning, Nathalie Timmermans left the team to fly back to Oklahoma City again to re-join her team there for a double-header later today. Head Coach Craig Montvidas also left this afternoon, as he has to be in Rotterdam (Netherlands) on Saturday to be at the 100th anniversary-reception of the Dutch Association.
Recap Day 17 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 17 (Ned.)

Winning streak ends with big loss
The 10-game winning streak of the Dutch National Softball Team ended on Thursday, as the team suffered a big 9-1, mercy-rule loss in five innings against the team of the University of Northern Colorado. The lone Dutch run was a homerun by Nathalie Timmermans. In the fourth inning, the game was delayed for 30 minutes due to the fact that the sprinkler-device on the field suddenly started to work. Earlier this morning, the players participated in an extensive, 3-hours workout as the team participated in the iQ Physical Test. The Dutch Team will be back on the field on Friday-evening and then meets Florida State University. This game starts at 6:45 PM local (11:45 PM Dutch time).
Recap Day 16 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 16 (Ned.)

Dutch Team participates in iQ Physical Test on Thursday
The Dutch National Softball Team participates in the iQ Physical Test on Thursday, March 15, which was streamed live on internet. The iQ Physical Test is made up of specific elements that showcase the player's full abilities on the field. The iQ Physical Test was developed to give an athlete more tools to her grow as a player. With this, coaches get more insight into the complete athlete by an extensive physical test to see at a glance the overall quality of a particular athlete. The Test was developed by the iQ Fastpitch-staff with Jennie Ritter (2005 NCAA College World Series Champion, University of Michigan), who went on to play for Team USA and in Japan. Included in the Test are: bunting - slapping - line drive - throwing accuracy/speed - long jump - 5-10-5 shuttle - 40-yard dash - 10-ball speed drill - agility - contact to 1st - contact to home - push-ups - standing rotational throw - 2 x 300-yard shuttle run. The iQ Physical Test of the Dutch Team was streamed live by USSSA and iQ Fastpitch. The Physical Test is a joined project between iQ Fastpitch and USSSA Pride, which plays in the National Pro Fastpitch and has players on its roster like Jessica Mendoza, Cat Osterman and Natasha Watley.

Dutch raises win-total to 14
The Dutch National Softball Team raised its total victories on this years American Tour to fourteen on Wednesday by adding to small wins. In the opener today, the Dutch Team won 3-1 vs. Rutgers University on a 2-run homerun by Saskia Kosterink in a game that was tied at 1-1 in the fourth inning. In the second game against Canisius College, an 1-1 tie was broken in the sixth inning when Nathalie Timmermans homered, leading to a 2-1 victory for the Orange. Nathalie also homered in the first game of today's double-header, which was played in Tampa in the stadium of the University of South Florida. On Thursday-afternoon, the Dutch Team plays a single game and then meets Northern Colorado, starting at 5 PM local time (10 PM Dutch time). The day will start early when the team participates in a Physical Test in Clearwater.
Recap Day 15 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 15 (Ned.)

Dutch Team wins two more games
The Dutch National Softball Team played another double-header on Tuesday, March 13 and added two more victories. In the first game, the squad met Syracuse University, then followed with the match-up against Fordham University. In the opener, the Dutch Team won 5-1, in the second game, a big 9-2 victory was registered. With this, the current winning streak is now extended to eight games, while the Team now has won 12 of its 15 games played. In the opener, Rebecca Soumeru threw five innings, then Lindsey Meadows closed the game to secure the win and combined on a 4-hitter. In Game 2, the Dutch collected 12 basehits, including doubles by Karin Tuk, Lindsey Meadows, Saskia Kosterink and Areke Spel. The Dutch pitching gave up four hits.
Recap Day 14 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 14 (Ned.)

Rob Veldkamp assigned as Umpire for World Championship
Experienced Dutch umpire Rob Veldkamp has been assigned by the International Softball Federation for the upcoming ISF World Championship in Whitehorse (Canada) in July. It will mark the first time that Veldkamp will officiate at a Women's World Championship, but he had participated in several big tournaments before. In 2008, Veldkamp was one of the umpires during the Olympic Games in Beijing (China) and in 2009, he umpired at the World Cup of Softball in Oklahoma City. In 2007, he umpired at the ISF Junior World Championship in Enschede (Netherlands) and in 2009, he traveled to Prague (Czech Republic) for the ISF Youth World Cup Under 16. Last year, Veldkamp was the Dutch umpire at the European Championship in Italy. Veldkamp also was an umpire during the 2003 (Italy) and 2005 (Czech Republic) European Championships, the 2008 Canada Cup and the 2005 University Games in Tampa (USA). Besides that, he officiated at several European Cup-tournaments.

National Team-players assist at Umpire Clinic
Dutch National Team-players Solange Starrenburg and Laura van Essen joined Dutch Junior Red-players Cheryl Hiele and Lueji Petchkovsky Morais and Dutch Junior White-players Lizzie Clarijs, Denice van Dijk and Britt Remmers on Saturday, March 3 to assist at the annual Umpire Clinic. The Dutch Umpire Organization BUBS annually stages a weekend at Elspeet where the umpires not only get together to exchange experiences and be instructed for the new season, but also to go to an indoor-facility to go through several game situations. Last year, six players of the Dutch Junior Red assisted during this situations, which was much appreciated by the umpires and much enjoyed by the players involved. So this year, another invitation was extended and this time a group of seven players from all three national teams could be formed to assist the umpires. And again, the umpires were very pleased with their contributions and thanked the seven players very much for coming to Elspeet.

Dutch Team watches baseball-game
The Dutch Softball Team was off on Monday, March 12, and so the team traveled to St. Petersburg to watch the game of the Dutch National Baseball Team against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Saskia Kosterink threw out the ceremonial first pitch. The Dutch Baseball Team, which captured the world championship-title in October last year in Panama, currently participates in the St. Petersburg Internationall Baseball Series and lost today 8-2.
The softball-squad returns to the field on Tuesday to play another double-header. The Dutch then meet the teams of Syracuse University and Fordham University. The first game starts at 4 PM local time (9 PM Dutch time).
Recap Day 13 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 13 (Ned.)

Dutch Team adds two victories on Sunday
On Sunday, March 11, the Dutch National Softball Team added two more victories to extend its current winning streak to six games. The team is off on Monday and returns to the field on Tuesday for a new double-header. In today's opener, the Orange shutout Central Connecticut 7-0 on a 3-hitter by Ginger de Weert, Mariëlle Vleugels and Dagmar Bloeming. Saskia Kosterink, Dinet Oosting and Fabienne van Uden contributed with RBI-doubles. In the next game, the Dutch Team came from behind to win 3-2 vs. Boston University. Trailing 2-1, the Dutch Team scored twice in the sixth inning on a single by Anne Blaauwgeers and grounder by Fabienne van Uden. Winning pitcher Rebecca Soumeru again retired all nine batters she faced.
Recap Day 12 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 12 (Ned.)

Dutch Team gets back into action with two victories
After having the day off on Friday, the Dutch National Softball Team returned to the playing field on Saturday, March 10, to play two more games of its American Tour, winning both. The Orange opened with a 7-1 victory vs. the Braves, the team of Bradley University. In the evening, the Dutch Team met the University of South Florida and stunned the nr. 25 ranked team in the country with a big 8-1 victory. In the opener, the Dutch won on a combined 6-hitter by Lindsey Meadows, Ginger de Weert and Mariëlle Vleugels. The squad collected 11 basehits, including three by Yonina Sint Jago and a solo-homerun by Areke Spel. In the second game, the Orange collected 13 basehits, including three by Virginie Anneveld. Pitchers Dagmar Bloeming and Rebecca Soumeru allowed only two hits.
Recap Day 11 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 11 (Ned.)

Dutch Team has break in the action
The Dutch National Softball Team had a break in the action on Friday, March 9, as no big team-activities were planned for today, except for the joined dinner. One group opted to go shopping and so went off to several malls, another group went to the beach. The team returns to the field on Saturday for another double-header. The Orange squad then meets the teams of Bradley University and the Universty of South Florida.
Recap Day 10 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 10 (Ned.)

Dutch Team wins big vs. Temple University on Thursday
The Dutch National Softball Team won big on Thursday-evening, beating the Owls, the of Temple University, 10-2. The team got 13 basehits, including three more by Britt Vonk, who has now hit 12 basehits in her last 14 at bats. Dutch pitchers Ginger de Weert, Mariëlle Vleugels and Rebecca Soumeru allowed only three basehits. The latter struckout five of the nine batters she faced in the last three innings. The Dutch Team broke a 2-2 tie in the third inning, then rallied for seven runs in the fifth inning to take a commanding. Highlights in this at bat (11 batters, 5 hits) were a lead-off triple by Virginie Anneveld and an RBI-double by Meike Witteveen.
Recap Day 9 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 9 (Ned.)

Dutch Team's winning streak ends, but starts new one
The 4-game winning streak of the Dutch National Softball Team ended on Wednesday, March 7, when the squad fell 5-4 to the team of Virginia Tech University. The Orange entered the home of the seventh inning with a 4-3 lead, but Virginia Tech then scored twice to win the game.
In the evening, the Dutch Team won 2-1 behind strong pitching of Rebecca Soumeru and Dagmar Bloeming and a solide defense. Trailing 1-0, the Dutch scored twice in the top of the seventh inning.
Recap Day 8 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 8 (Ned.)

Dutch Team opens Florida-series with two wins
The Dutch National Softball Team got back into action again on Tuesday, March 6, played two games and won twice. The Orange defeated two strong opponents, winning 9-2 vs. Miami University of Ohio, then followed with an 11-10 win vs. Central Michigan University. In the opener, the Dutch Team trailed 2-1 after three innings, but then had two 3-run innings to turn the game around. In the last four innings, Rebecca Soumeru gave up only one basehit to the RedHawks. In the evening, the Dutch trailed 4-2 after three innings and then staged a 6-run rally in the fourth. In the home of the 7th inning, the Dutch Team led 11-10 with the Chippewas having runners on second and third base, but then Lindsey Meadows struckout her eighth batter to end the game.
Recap Day 7 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 7 (Ned.)

Preliminary roster Dutch Juniors trimmed
The coaches of the Dutch Junior Red and Junior White Teams have trimmed the preliminary rosters of these two squads. That meant that they had to face the recurring decision to cut players and that's always difficult in a group that practice and plays together for some months. The Junior Red Team now has 21 players, which will be the roster for the big league-competition. The Junior White Team now has 23 players on its roster.
More on these rosters (in Dutch.) | Meer over de selecties (Ned.)

Dutch Team arrives in Florida
The Dutch National Softball Team has arrived in Tampa, Florida, and from there, it was off to the hotel in Clearwater. The team left the hotel in Knoxville early Monday-morning for the airport and then flew via Atlanta to Tampa. For the record, the team flew in a Canadair 'Bombardier' Regional Jet from Knoxville (Tennessee) to Atlanta (Georgia), where it arrived at 1:11 PM (7:11 PM Dutch time) after a short one hour, six minute flight. The team then continued its journey around 3 PM local (9 PM Dutch) in a Delta Airlines Boeing 757 and arrived in Tampa (Florida) at 4:21 PM local (10:21 PM Dutch). Upon arrival, there was a bright blue sky and temperatures of 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 Celsius). On Tuesday, the team will get into action again, playing two games, meeting the teams of Miami University of Ohio and Central Michigan University.
Recap Day 6 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 6 (Ned.)

No activities on Sunday
The Dutch National Softball Team has no activities on Sunday. The team doesn't have to fill in for a team during the Tennessee Classic and no practices were scheduled, so Head Coach Craig Montvidas gave the team off for today. And so, players were able to walk around in Knoxville, do some shopping, relax or watch games at the softball-stadium. On Monday, the team flies to Florida for the remainder of the USA Tour.
Recap Day 5 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 5 (Ned.)

Dutch Team wins highscoring game
The Dutch National Softball Team on Saturday won 15-7 in a highscoring game vs. the Blue Raiders, the team of Middle Tennessee State University. The game featured 10 homeruns, including four again by the Dutch Team, hit by Lindsey Meadows, Nathalie Gosewehr, Karin Tuk and Areke Spel. Because of a change in the schedule, the game started later than scheduled. The changes to the schedules for Saturdat and Sunday were made due to the rain and tornado-warnings on Friday, resulting in a game-cancellation. Because of the schedule-change, the Dutch Team now probably will have the day off on Sunday, but might fill in for another team if necessary. In today's game, the Dutch Team rallied for seven runs in the third inning.
Recap Day 4 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 4 (Ned.)

Dutch win big in rain-delayed game
Almost 4 1/2 hours after it started, the Dutch Team eventually won Friday's game against Murray State University, which was much-delayed by rain and thunderstorms, convincingly 12-4 in five innings. After Merel Oosterveld had homered in the second inning after a long delay, the Dutch squad added seven more runs in the next three innings, highlighted by two more homeruns, the second by Petra van Heijst and another one by Saskia Kosterink.
Recap Day 3 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 3 (Ned.)

game update 7:35 PM (1:35 AM Dutch):
The game resumed again after a delay of almost 2 1/2 hours and the Dutch added a run in the second inning when Merel Oosterveld also hit a homerun. The Orange now lead 5-1.

game update 6:30 PM (00:30 AM Dutch):
The tornado-warning has been lifted again. It's now waiting for official word what will happen with the game.

game update 5:35 PM (11:35 PM Dutch):
Currently, everyone in the softball stadium had to take shelter as a new tornado-warning has been issued until 6:00 PM.
The Dutch Team is in the lockerroom under the stadium and everyone is safe!!!

game update 5:00 PM (11:00 PM Dutch):
The Dutch Team leads 4-1 after one inning, highlighted by a 3-run homerun by Petra van Heijst, but the game is currently under a rain-delay with the tarp being put on the field.

game update 4:20 PM (10:20 PM Dutch):
THE GAME HAS STARTED!

game update 3:50 PM (9:50 PM Dutch):
There is an overcast in Knoxville, but it is dry, resulting in the decision to move the starting time of the game vs. Murray State ahead. The game now is scheduled to start at 4:25 PM (10:25 PM Dutch).
The starting line-up will be as follows:
P-Mariëlle Vleugels, C-Dinet Oosting, 1B-Saskia Kosterink, 2B-Meike Witteveen, 3B-Virginie Anneveld, SS-Petra van Heijst, LF-Nathalie Gosewehr, CF-Merel Oosterveld, RF-Yonina Sint Jago, DP-Fabienne van Uden.

game update 2:30 PM (8:30 Dutch):
The rain is now much less than an hour ago, which led to the decision to move the start time of the Dutch Game vs. Murray from 3 PM to 4:45 PM local (10:45 PM Dutch). The team is currently still is the hotel waiting for the rain to stop. While thunderstorms are still expected to hit East Tennessee today, they just might pass Knoxville. The temperature currently is 68 degrees Fahrenheit (22 Celsius).

game update 1:30 PM (7:30 Dutch):
Currently, it is raining hard in Knoxville, meaning the third game of the Dutch National Softball Team is on hold. The Dutch Team is scheduled to play vs. the Racers, the team of Murray State University, starting at 3 PM local (9 PM Dutch time).

Dutch Team opens USA Tour with two tough losses
The Dutch National Softball Team opened it's USA Tour on Thursday, March 1 with two tough losses. The Orange squad lost 6-5 vs. the Buccaneers, the team of East Tennessee State University, which was followed by an 8-7 loss vs. the Lady Vols, the team of host University of Tennessee. In both games, the Dutch Team held a 5-1 lead and in both games, the game was lost in the last at bat.
The Dutch Team continues the trip with one game on Friday.
Recap Day 2 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 2 (Ned.)

Game Schedule Tennessee adjusted due to weather
The University of Tennessee announced that potential weather issues have forced a change in the schedule for the Tennessee Softball Classic to be held at Lee Softball Stadium in Knoxville, starting on Thursday. This means that the game-schedule for the Dutch National Softball Team also has changed. For Thursday, the weather is expected to be fine and the two games to be played by the Dutch Team remained on schedule and will start at the announced starting time. But for the coming three days, the schedule slightly changed and the Dutch will play one game less than orgininally scheduled.
Recap Day 2 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 2 (Ned.)

Dutch Team arrives in Knoxville
The Dutch National Softball Team has arrived safely in Knoxville (Tennessee) on Wednesday, February 29. The Delta Airlines A330-300 plane that carried the Dutch squad left Amsterdam Schiphol Airport almost 90 minutes later than scheduled, meaning it arrived more than one hour later than scheduled in Detroit (Michigan), the team's first stop in the USA. From there, it boarded a connecting flight to Knoxville (Tennessee), where the team arrived later in the afternoon. The Dutch Team will be in the USA for three weeks, playing 23 games in an 18-day period. The squad will play its first two games on Thursday.
Recap Day 1 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 1 (Ned.)

Dutch Softball Team suffers one-run loss vs. World Baseball Champion
The Dutch National Softball Team met the Dutch National Baseball Team on Sunday-afternoon February 26, in a 7-inning softball 'Game of the Champions' in Amsterdam and lost only 4-3 from the reigning World Champion. The Softball-squad, which became the unbeaten European champion last year, presented itself with its complete roster of 23 players, trailed 3-0, but then came alongside, before losing in the sixth inning of the National Team All Star Game. Before the start of the game, the Dutch Junior White Team, that captured the Europen Cadets Softball-title last year was honered, as were the best players of the Future Stars Tournament of two weeks ago. Also, National Softball Team Head Coach Craig Montvidas was named Coach of the Year for 2011 and Kees van Vegten of Amsterdam Pirates won the Nol Houtkamp Award.
The game between the two National Teams closed the successful 2-day National Team Showcase. The third Showcase will be held next year.
A complete update of the Showcase will be added later.
Here you can see the play-by-play of the Game of the Champions

Successful first day National Team Showcase
The first day of the second annual National Team Showcase in Amsterdam has been very successful. The players of the National Youth Teams has a long and intensive day in the National Team's indoor-facility in the capitol, but it was a very productive day. The players of the Junior Red and Junior White Teams played a game, attended several workshops and practiced with the Dutch National Softball Team.
follow 'Game of the Champions' live
Day 2 of the Showcase will take place on Sunday, February 26, starts at 10 AM and will be concluded with a softball-game between the European Softball Champion Netherlands Team and the World Baseball Champion Netherlands Team. The game starts at 2:45 PM and can be followed through a live play-by-play.
A complete update of the Showcase will be added later.

Coming weekend: National Team Showcase
In the weekend of February 25-26, the second National Team Showcase will be held in Sporthallen Zuid in Amsterdam. Day One will be filled with lots of workshops and instructional sessions for the players of the Dutch Junior Teams, who also will play games. On Sunday, more workschops are scheduled for participating children from around the country. Day 2 concludes with a softball-game between the Dutch National Softball Team and the Dutch National Baseball Team in a 'World Champion meets European Champion' match-up. The National Team Showcase is open for everyone, players, parents, family, coaches, officials, fans. Also scheduled for Saturday is a tournament for handicapped players (G-ball).
Complete Showcase-schedule (Eng.) | Compleet Showcase-programma (Ned.)

Team Black best in Future Stars
Team Black on Sunday, February 12, won 4-2 vs. Team Blue in the all-deciding final of the third Donnay/Right To Play Future Stars Indoor Softball Tournament in Amsterdam. Team Black broke an 1-1 tie with a 3-hit, 3-run rally in the third inning, highlighted by a 2-run single by Lueji Petchkovsky Morais, that gave the team a 3-1 lead. Sophie Bugter (right) scored once and had two hits in the final to become the Batting Champion and also was crowned as Most Valuable Player. Floor van Dijk (left) was named Most Outstanding Player, while Svenja de Lincel (center) was the Best Pitcher of the annual event.
Recaps and photos Day 2 (in Dutch only)

Team Pink and Black lead after Day 1 Future Stars
Team Pink won two of three games played on Day 1 of the 3rd Donnay/Right To Play Future Stars Indoor Softball Tournament on Saturday, February 11 at Sporthallen Zuid in Amsterdam. Team Black also won twice and was unbeaten after Day 1, as it has two games left on Sunday, which is the second and final day of the annual event. The two teams are followed by Team Blue, which won once, lost once, played one tie and will be the opponent of Team Pink on Sunday in the race to be the third team in the race for the final later on the day. Pink-player Dominique Sprengers (pictured right) on Saturday became the first player to hit a homerun in this year's tournament in which players of the two Dutch Junior National Teams are participating.
Recaps and photos Day 1 (in Dutch only)

Dutch Team plays fifth indoor game
The Dutch National Softball Team played its fifth indoor game of the season on Friday, February 10 in Amsterdam. Today's game in reality was a series of mini-games, as each of the seven innings were played with the tie-break rule, as if it was the deciding inning of a real game. Three of the innings ended in a tie, while the other four innings were split between Team Black and Team Grey. And so, this game will enter the history books of the Tulip League as a tie, which is the second in a row and second of this season. Next Friday, the team is off, so the next indoor game is scheduled for Friday, February 24, which will be the last one before the squad leaves for a 3-week trip to the USA.
Recap fifth game (Eng.) | Verslag vijfde wedstrijd (Ned.)

Coming weekend: 3rd Donnay / Right To Play Future Stars Tournament
On Saturday, February 11 and Sunday, February 12, the third edition of the annual Donnay/Right To Play Future Stars Indoor Softball Tournament will be held in Hall 1 of Sporthallen Zuid in Amsterdam, the indoor-facility of the Dutch National Softball Team. A total of 13 games are scheduled, seven on Saturday, six on Sunday, with the last being the final of the 2-day event. Participating in the tournament are the 56 players, who are currently on the combined rosters of the Dutch Junior Red and Dutch Junior White Teams. The players are divided over five different teams for the tournament. The players of the Dutch National Softball Team will have a supporting role during the event. The future of Dutch softball will get into action coming weekend! All games can be followed via this website through a live play-by-play.
More tournament-info (Eng.) | Meer toernooi-info (Ned.)

Schedule for 2nd Showcase finalized
The schedule for the 2-day National Team Showcase, to take place on Saturday, February 25 and Sunday, February 26, has been finalized. Earlier, it was already announced that Sunday's schedule includes a softball-game between the European Champion Dutch National Softball Team and the World Champion Dutch National Baseball Team. The schedule for Saturday now also has been finalized and includes games by the two National Junior Teams, several workshops for the players of these teams, as well as pratice sessions of the Dutch National Softball Team.
Complete schedule Showcase (Eng.) | Compleet schema Showcase (Ned.)

Team plays game despite freezing cold & snow
The fourth game of this years Tulip League today, Friday, February 3, was one of records, both inside and outside the indoor facility in Amsterdam. The day started with a cold, freezing wind and some drizzling snow, but ended in a snow-covered country. Today's game ended in a rare scoreless tie, but also saw a record of strikeouts. The team was joined by two players from the Dutch Junior Red Team for the first time this season. The next indoor game will be played on Friday, February 10. In the weekend thereafter, Febnruary 11-12, the third Donnay/Right To Play Future Stars Indoor Softball Tournament will take place in Sporthallen Zuid in Amsterdam.
Recap fourth game (Eng.) | Verslag vierde wedstrijd (Ned.)

Photo-session and third game
The Dutch National Softball Team played its third indoor game on Friday, January 27 in Amsterdam. The game lasted only three innings, as it was preceeded by a photo-session that took some two hours. The player's portraits were taken, as well as teamphotos and other 'relaxed' moments. The Dutch Team will play its next indoor game on Friday, February 3, also in Amsterdam.
Recap 3rd game and photo-session (Eng.) | Verslag 3e wedstrijd en foto-sessie (Ned.)

Dutch Softball Team to meet Dutch Baseball Team during Showcase
The Dutch National Softball Team will meet the Dutch National Baseball Team on Sunday, February 26 on Day 2 of the second National Team Showcase at the Sporthallen Zuid in Amsterdam. Last year, the first National Softball Team Showcase was staged in Amsterdam. This year, the second Showcase will be combined with baseball. The schedule for Day 2 of the event has now been announced.
More on the Showcase (Eng.) | Meer over de Showcase (Ned.)

Orange plays 2nd game; first homerun hit
The Dutch National Softball Team continued the 2012 Tulip League Indoor-season today with its second intersquad game on Friday, January 20. Seven more indoor games are scheduled in the upcoming weeks. In the first game last week, only four runs were scored, today a total of 12 runs were registered. Amongst the 18 basehits in the game, Petra van Heijst accounted for the first homerun of the season.
Recap of the second game (Eng.) | Verslag van de tweede wedstrijd (Ned.)

Mariëlle Vleugels named MVP in Indoor Cup
Mariëlle Vleugels, one of three rookies in the Dutch National Softball Team, was named Most Valuable Player of the International Indoor Cup in Schiedam after completion of the 3-day event on Sunday, January 15. In the tournament, Mariëlle was a guestplayer of Gryphons, which won the 17th edition of the event. Two teams of the Dutch Junior Red Team also participated, with one of them finishing in fourth place and the other in ninth place.
Coverage Indoor Cup (Dutch only) | Verslaggeving Indoor Cup (Ned.)

Dutch Team opens Tulip League-season
The Dutch National Softball Team opened this years Tulip League Indoor Season on Friday, January 13 with its first of a series of weekly intersquad-games. The game also marked the acquaintance with the new floor in the Sporthallen Zuid, its indoor facility in Amsterdam. In the last months, a home plate was put in the line-system in the floor and a construction was developed to place real bases in the floor for a softball-game.
Recap of the first game (Eng.) | Verslag van de eerste wedstrijd (Ned.)

Schedule for USA Tour announced
The Dutch National Softball Team will conduct another USA Tour in March, traveling to Knoxville (Tennessee) and Clearwater/Tampa (Florida). At the moment, 23 games against American university-teams are scheduled to be played in 18 days. On February 29, the team flies to Knoxville via Detroit. At Knoxville, the Dutch squad will play six games. Next, it's on to Florida, where the remaining 17 games will be played in either Clearwater or Tampa. Last year, the Dutch Team also traveled to Tennessee and Florida and then played a series of 14 games.
Complete schedule USA Tour (Eng.) | Compleet schema USA Tour (Ned.)

On The Right Track; Dutch Team conducts first practice
The Dutch National Softball resumed its practice schedule on Sunday, January 8 with its first indoor session in Amersfoort. After a series of conditioning practices in November and December, the team now will get together three times a week to practice. Also, starting on Friday, January 13, the team starts its annual Tulip League with weekly indoor games at Sporthallen Zuid in Amsterdam. Today, Head Coach Craig Montvidas briefed the team on the latest developments, then the players (divided in five groups) had to conduct several tasks in a teambuilding-session. The Dutch Team is 'on the right track'.
More on the first practice (Eng.) | Meer over de eerste training (Ned.)

Two players added to National Team-roster
The roster of the Dutch National Softball Team was expanded to 25 players early January with the addition of two new players. Catcher Laura van Essen, who plays for Amsterdam Pirates, and outfielder Kayleigh Adelina, who plays for UVV, will join the team officially on January 8 and January 11 respectively. In November, the 21-player roster also was expanded with two players, infielder Petra van Heijst (Tex Town Tigers) and pitcher Mariëlle Vleugels (Iber Lengua Terrasvogels). Van Heijst returned to the national squad after a 2-year absence, while Vleugels last year was a member of the Dutch Junior Red Team.

André Prins to coach Czech National Team
Veteran softball-coach André Prins, a former member of the coachingstaff of the Dutch National Team and former Head Coach of the Junior-squad, is starting a new chapter in his long career, as he has accepted the position of Head Coach of the National Team of the Czech Republic. His major goal comes in 2013 when during the European Championship, he want to qualify with the Czech women for the 2014 World Championship, which will then be held in Haarlem (Netherlands).
More on André Prins coaching Czech Team

Website World Championship 2014 launched
The official website for the XIV ISF World Championship Softball was launched on Thursday, December 15, at the clubhouse of Olympia Haarlem, on whose site the event will be organized in 2014. Head Coach Craig Montvidas and players Dagmar Bloeming, Femke van Dusschoten and Chantal Versluis represented the Dutch National Softball Team, as well as Team Manager Paul Boonstra.
More on the launching

Pages new Junior-players added
The website of the Dutch National Softball Teams is expanded with the personal profile pages of the 22 new players, who recently were selected for the preliminary rosters of the Dutch Junior Red and Dutch Junior White teams. 21 of these players are on the roster of the White Team. The 22nd new players is on the roster of the Red squad. And they have a long list with all kinds of choices what their favorites are concerned. 15 current Dutch National Team-players are named as their Favorite Softball Player.
More on the new Junior-players

Awards for current and former National Team-players
During the annual KNBSB Stars Awards Gala, held on Friday, November 11, the best players in this years softball and baseball seasons were decorated. Current National Team-player Areke Spel was named Most Valuable Player of the 2011 Dutch softball-season, while former National Team-player Kirsten Scheele won the Best Pitcher Award. These were two of the nine softball-awards that were handed out. The Dutch National Team, which captured the European title unbeaten this Summer in Italy, also was honoured, as were the best youth players.
More on the KNBSB Awards Gala

Another player joins the National Team
On Wednesday, November 9, the Dutch National Softball Team conducted its second strenghth and conditioning workout-session in Voorthuizen. Today, the squad was joined for the first time by pitcher Mariëlle Vleugels, who plays for Iber Lengua Terrasvogels. The last four seasons, Mariëlle was a member of the Dutch Junior Red Team, but due to her age, she is not eligible anymore for that youth team. Like Petra van Heijst, who joined the team a week ago, Mariëlle was invited to be with the team during the winter practice sessions.

Dutch Softball Team attends premičre 'Moneyball'
A delegation of the Dutch National Softball Team attended a private, for invited guests only, premičre of the American movie 'Moneyball' on Monday, November 7, at Pathé ArenA in Amsterdam. Also attending was a delegation of the Dutch Baseball Team, which in October captured the world title, as well as Major League-players Rick van den Hurk and Adam Jones of the Baltimore Orioles. During the evening, the Mattingly V-grip bats were promoted.
More on the premičre

2012 season starts; player added
On Wednesday, November 2, the 2012 season officially started for the Dutch National Softball Team when the players got together for their first indoor workout. At an indoor facility in Voorthuizen, the team conducted its first of a series of strenghth and conditioning sessions. Starting in January, the squad will start their three-times-per-week practice sessions at Voorthuizen, Amersfoort and Amsterdam. This also will included again weekly indoor games, where the team will be joined weekly by some player from the Dutch Junior Red-roster.
Being with the team today for the first time was infielder Petra van Heijst, who re-joined the National Team after being not available in 2010 and 2011 due to sickness. Petra last played for the National Team during the successful European Championship of 2009 in Valencia (Spain). Petra, who plays for Tex Town Tigers, was invited to join the team for the winter practice sessions.

Three National Team-players change club
National Team-players Karin Tuk (catcher), Fabienne van Uden (outfield) and Britt Vonk (short stop) have changed clubs for the upcoming season. Before the transfer-deadline expired on November 1, the three decided to play for another club in 2012. Karin Tuk will play for Dutch champion Oolders Omaco Sparks Haarlem next year after having played the last four seasons for Tex Town Tigers, with whom she won the championship in 2008 and 2009. Before coming to Tex Town Tigers, Karin already had played four seasons in the Dutch big league for Euro Stars. Fabienne van Uden will play for Gryphons, which promoted to the big league this year. Fabienne leaves Twins, where she played her entire 17-year career, including 10 big league-seasons. Britt Vonk opted to go to Alcmaria Victrix, leaving Tex Town Tigers, where she had played all of her 11 softball-seasons, including seven on the highest level. Britt will see only limited action for her new club, as she is currently studying and playing for the University of California at Berkeley and will not return before the beginning of June, then will leave again somewhere in August.

ISF awards World Championship 2014 to Netherlands!
Sunday, October 30, 2011, has become a memorable day in Dutch softball-history, as today the International Softball Federation (ISF) awarded the organization of the 2014 World Championship Women to the Netherlands! After a successful presentation on Friday for the ISF Competitions Committee, the 72 attending Federations at the ISF Congress in Oklahoma City (USA) today unanimously voted for the event to take place in the Netherlands. The World Championship 2014 will be held in the city of Haarlem from August 13-23 and it will mark the first time the event takes place in Europe.
More on the Championship coming to the Netherlands

21 players named to preliminary roster National Team
In October, Head Coach Craig Montvidas named 21 players to the preliminary roster of the Dutch National Softball Team for the 2012 season. Included therein are all 17 players, who were members of the successful 2011 squad that this year again captured the European title by remaining unbeaten in the European Championship in Italy. In 2012, the Dutch Team will travel to Florida in March, then participate in the World Cup of Softball in Oklahoma City (USA) en route to the World Championship in Canada.
Preliminary Roster 2012

Berend Mannessen named Flex Coach; Junior Coordinator
In October, veteran softball-coach Berend Mannessen was added officially to the staff of the Dutch National Softball Teams as a Flex Coach. Mannessen, who led the team of UVV this season to promotion to the Dutch big league, will assist the existing coaching staff of the Dutch National Softball Team, as well as the Dutch Junior Teams as an assistant coach and instructor during games and practices.
Besides being a Flex Coach, Mannessen also will assist National Team Program-Supervisor Craig Montvidas in coordinating the programs regarding the National Youth Teams, such as the organisation of try-out sessions.
More on the naming of Berend Mannessen

DUTCH TEAM REPEATS AS EUROPEAN CHAMPION!
The Dutch National Softball Team on Saturday, August 6, defended its European title successfully in the final, beating Italy 10-2 convincingly, ending the game in the sixth inning because of the run-difference. History was written, as it was the first time that a final ended with the mercy-rule and it was also the first time that a final ended with a walk-off homerun, as Saskia Kosterink hit a towering 2-run homerun to end the game. Saskia also accounted for the first three runs, as she hit a 3-run triple in the first at bat. Lindsey Meadows threw four hitless innings, then Rebecca Soumeru took over and gave up the two Italian runs that narrowed the lead to 4-2. Dagmar Bloeming became the new pitcher in the fifth and completed the game. Afterwards, she was named Best Pitcher of the tournament, while Virginie Anneveld was named Most Valuable Player.
Recap Day 9 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 9 (Ned.)

DUTCH TEAM IN EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL!!!
The Dutch National Softball Team won a Hitchockian thriller on Friday-evening to beat Italy 5-1, thanks to a 2-out, 4-run rally in the eighth inning to reach the final of the 17th European Championship. A 2-run double by Nathalie Gosewehr and a 2-run inside-the-park-homerun by Solange Starrenburg highlighted the deciding at bat. Winning pitcher Dagmar Bloeming threw a strong game, struckout eight and gave up only five hits. The Dutch will play the final on Saturday-evening and meets the winner of the game between Italy and Great Britain, which will be played in the afternoon. After reaching the final, several text messages to congratulate the team.
Recap Day 8 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 8 (Ned.)

Dutch Team qualifies for Semi-Final, World Cup; Milestone for Saskia Kosterink
On Thursday, August 4, the Dutch National Softball Team clinched a spot in the Semi-Final of the European Championship and qualified for participation in the World Championship in Canada. Also on Thursday, Saskia Kosterink played in her 100th official game for the Dutch Team. The Orange shutout Russia 2-0 to reach the Semi-Final, then won 8-1 vs. France in the evening to close the Second Round. The Dutch now will meet Italy in the Semi-Final on Friday-evening.
Recap Day 7 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 7 (Ned.)

Dutch Team opens 2nd Round with win vs. British
The Dutch National Softball Team opened the Second Round of the 17th European Championship on Wednesday-evening, August 3, with a 3-1 victory against Great Britain, the opponent in the final of the Championship two years ago. With the win, the Dutch Team has set a big step towards the semi-final on Friday-evening. On Thursday, the Dutch Team continues the Second Round with games against Russia and France.
Recap Day 6 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 6 (Ned.)

Dutch Team finishes preliminary round unbeaten
The Dutch National Softball Team closed the preliminary round of the 17th European Championship unbeaten on Tuesday, August 2 and gave up no runs in the four games played. On very sunny Tuesday afternoon and under a clear blue sky, the Dutch squad registered a 19-0 shutout-win against Denmark. The team has now scored 62 runs and collected 62 basehits in the four games played so far. On Wednesday-evening, the Dutch Team opens the Second Round and then meets Great Britain.
Recap Day 5 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 5 (Ned.)

Dutch Team again registers two convincing victories
The Dutch National Softball Team on Monday, August 1 registered two more convincing victories, as the squad won 9-0 vs. Belgium and 10-0 vs. Spain. The team collected 20 basehits in the two games, including a homerun by Nathalie Timmermans. Pitchers Dagmar Bloeming and Lindsey Meadows both threw one-hitters. The Dutch Team closes the preliminary round on Tuesday against Denmark.
Recap Day 4 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 4 (Ned.)

Dutch Team opens with big win
The Dutch National Softball Team on Sunday, July 31 opened the 17th European Championship with a big 24-0 shutout-win against Ukraine. The Dutch Team collected 25 basehits, including four by Virginie Anneveld and Solange Starrenburg. Tha latter also homered, as did Chantal Versluis and Areke Spel. The team rallied for 15 runs in the first at bat and ended the game in three innings. Pitcher Ginger de Weert threw an one-hitter.
In the evening, all 20 participating countries were present during the Opening Ceremony.
Recap Day 3 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 3 (Ned.)

Dutch Team has first practice
On Saturday, July 30, the Dutch National Softball Team conducted its first practice session on the main field of the European Championship in Ronchi dei Legionari. While it was another dark and sometimes rainy day today, the practice was held under fine conditions. In the evening, the Technical Meeting was held and so the tournament now has really started. On Sunday, the Dutch Team opens against Ukraine. A live play-by-play of this game will be available.
Recap Day 2 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 2 (Ned.)

Dutch Team arrives in rainy Italy for European Championship
The Dutch National Softball Team on Friday, July 29, traveled to Italy for the European Championship, that opens on Sunday, July 31 and will be played in the Ronchi dei Legionari-area. The Dutch Team meets Ukraine next Sunday in its first game of the event. It was a long travelday (with Areke Spel celebrating her birthday), which first brought the team to Rome and from there back north to Ronchi dei Legionari. Minutes after arriving, a heavy thunderstorm, accompanied by a lot of lightning, welcomed the team in Italy.
Recap Day 1 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 1 (Ned.)

Roster announced for European Championship
On Thursday, July 14, the Dutch National Softball Team roster of 17 players was announced for the upcoming European Championship in Italy. Head Coach Craig Montvidas informed all players the day before after completion of a practice session. On July 31, the defending European champion opens the event against Ukraine.
More on the roster-announcement (Eng.) | Meer over de bekendmaking (Ned.)

Dutch Team closes Holland Tour with wins vs. Argentina
The Dutch National Softball Team closed the fourth Holland Tour on Sunday, July 3 with two victories against the National Team of Argentina. In Amsterdam, the Dutch squad won big twice, 15-1 and 14-1 against the young Argentinian team that made an European tour. Last year, during the World Championship in Venezuela, the Dutch Team defeated Argentina 4-3. Initially, games also were scheduled today for the Foreign All Star Team, but these were dropped, as not enough foreign players were available. Because of this, the scheduled games against the All Stars for July 17 were dropped from the schedule, meaning this years Holland Tour has ended.

Dutch Team beaten by Men Softball Team
The Dutch National Softball Team continued the Holland Tour on Sunday, June 26 with two games against the Dutch National Men Softball Team. Both games ended in a shutout-loss, with the men winning 3-0 and 2-0. The second game was a Perfect Game.

Sunday's games canceled!
The scheduled double-header between the Dutch National Softball Team and the Foreign All Star Team for Sunday, June 12, has been scrubbed. On Saturday, the regular season-games between Iber Lengua Terrasvogels and Centrals were canceled due to rain and were re-scheduled for Sunday, resulting in the double-header in the Holland Tour to be dropped from the schedule.

Dutch Team back home
The Dutch National Softball Team returned home back safely on Monday, June 6, to complete their trip to Bollate in Italy. After a short 1:19 hour flight, the KLM Boeing 737-800 touched down around 3 PM at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. The team will be back on the field on Wednesday and Friday for a practice session, then plays a double-header on Sunday, June 12 at Alkmaar in the Holland Tour.
Recap Day 6 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 6 (Ned.)

Dutch Team finishes tournament in second place
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.
Recap Day 5 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 5 (Ned.)

Scoreless day for Dutch Team
The Dutch National Softball Team didn't score a run on Saturday, June 4, in the two games played on Day 3 of the Torneo 150 Anni Unitá d'Italia. In the afternoon, the Dutch squad played a scoreless 6-inning tie vs. organisor Sanotint Bollate, then was shutout 4-0 in the evening by Italy. On Sunday, the Dutch and Italian squads face each other in the tournament final. For the Italian team, this was its first win vs. the Dutch since the 2007 Olympic Qualifier, which eventually was won by the Dutch. In between, Karin Tuk and Nathalie Timmermans participated in a Homerun Derby.
Recap Day 4 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 4 (Ned.)

Two more wins; Dagmar Bloeming perfect!
The Dutch National Softball Team added two victories on Friday, June 3, on Day 2 of the Torneo 150 Anni Unitá d'Italia. The day started with lots of sun and a 6-0 shutout-win vs. SK Joudrs Praha (Czech Republic). In the evening, Dagmar Bloeming threw a Perfect Game, as the Dutch squad shutout Prague All Stars (Czech Republic) 8-0 in a rainshortened game.
Recap Day 3 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 3 (Ned.)

Dutch Team wins milestone-game vs. Italy
The Dutch National Softball Team on Thursday-evening June 2, won 7-2 vs. Italy in a game which was the 100th in history between the two countries. The win was the 60th for the Dutch Team vs. Italy. On Friday, the Dutch Team continues the tournament in Bollate with two games vs. the Czech participating teams.
Recap Day 2 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 2 (Ned.)

Dutch Team opens tournament with victory
The Dutch National Softball Team on Thursday, June 2, opened the Torneo 150 Anni Unitá d'Italia in Bollate with a 6-2 victory against the La Loggia All Stars. The squad rallied for five runs in the third inning to take a decisive lead. On Thursday-evening (tonight at 8:30), the Dutch Team meets Italy in what will be the 100th game in history between the two countries.
Recap Day 2 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 2 (Ned.)

Dutch Team arrives in rainy Milan
The Dutch National Softball Team on Wednesday, June 1, flew to Italy where it will participate in the Torneo 150 Anni Unitá d'Italia in Bollate from June 2-5. At Malpensa Airport in Milan there was a big surprise, as it rained steadily! On the first day in Italy, there was a dinner at the field and a first team-meeting.
Recap Day 1 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 1 (Ned.)

Britt Vonk in College World Series!
Dutch National Team-player Britt Vonk will play in the NCAA Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City from June 2-8, as she reached the finals on Sunday, May 29 with the Golden Bears, the softballteam of the University of California at Berkeley. After winning 1-0 on Saturday vs. the University of Kentucky, the team lost 8-0 in the next game on Sunday, which led to a third and deciding game. The Golden Bears then won 9-0 to qualify for the World Series.
More on Britt & the Series (Eng.) | Meer over Britt & de Series (Ned.)

Dutch Team continues Holland Tour
The Dutch National Softball Team on Sunday, May 29, continued the Holland Tour with two games against the Netherlands National Men Softball Team. At the site of Storks in The Hague, the Dutch women lost 5-2 and 2-0 and now will focus on the upcoming international tournament in Bollate (Italy), with games scheduled on June 2-5. The next games in the Holland Tour are scheduled for Sunday, June 12 at Alkmaar.

Nathalie Timmermans named to All Star Teams
On May 26 and 28, National Team-catcher Nathalie Timmermans has been named to four different All Star-teams after conclusion of her second season at Oklahoma City University in the USA.
Nathalie led her team this season in batting average (.402) and runs batted in (64), scores 48 runs and hits 68 basehits, including 17 homeruns, resulting in her being named to the All-SAC First Team, NAIA First Team All-American, Capital One Academics Al-American and NFCA All-NAIA Southeast Region Team.

Britt Vonk in All-Pacific Teams
On May 19, Britt Vonk was named to the NFCA All-Pacific Region first team and All-Pac-10 second team after already being named to the All-Freshman team after conclusion of her successful season with the Golden Bears, the softballteam of the University of California at Berkeley.
In her first season in Berkeley, Britt played in all 58 games and led the team in hitting (.415), runs scored (47), basehits (73), walks (26) and on-base percentage (.502), while being second-best in stolen bases (26). With Berkeley, Britt qualified for participation in the Regionals, which is the first step towards the College World Series.

Dutch Team opens Holland Tour
The Dutch National Softball Team on Sunday, May 15 opened the Holland Tour edition 2011 by winning twice against the Holland All Stars, a team compiled from players of the two Dutch top leagues. At the site of Centrals (De Bilt), the Dutch squad won the opener 8-1 on 13 basehits, then followed with an 11-1 victory on nine basehits. Four pitchers allowed only six basehits in the two games combined.

Meike Witteveen wins batting title in Enschede
On Sunday, April 3, National Team-player Meike Witteveen won the Batting Title after conclusion of the annual 3-day International Mastenbroek Tournament in Enschede (Netherlands) at the site of Tex Town Tigers. Meike batted .688 playing in her first tournament for her new club Iber Lengua Terrasvogels. With Terrasvogels, Meike won the event, beating reigning champion Sparks Haarlem in the final.
In the same weekend, Twins won the annual international Pre-Season Tournament of Roef! in Moergestel.

Dutch Team returns home safely
The Dutch National Softball Team returned home safely on Tuesday-morning, March 15, when their Delta Air Lines Airbus A330-200 landed on Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport at 10:42 AM (Dutch time, 5:42 AM Florida-time), well ahead of schedule. The journey home started on Monday, March 14 when the team flew from Tampa International Airport (Florida) to Memphis International Airport (Tennessee) where it experienced some heavy turbulence on approach, to complete the first leg of the journey home. In Memphis, the team switched planes for the flight to Amsterdam. Also on Monday, player Anne Blaauwgeers left Tampa in an AirTran Airways Boeing-737 for a flight to Atlanta, from where she continued her journey back to Arizona to resume her study and softball-season at Central Arizona College.
Recap Day 15/16 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 15/16 (Ned.)

Dutch Team plays final games USA Tour
The Dutch National Team on Sunday, March 13, played it's last games of this years USA Tour and split a double-header to finish with a 7-7 record. The Dutch Team won the first game vs. the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay convincingly with an 11-0 shutout on 14 basehits. Rebecca Soumeru and Ginger de Weert each threw three innings in the 6-inning game.
In the second game, the Dutch took a 4-0 lead, but then trailed 5-4 in the second inning after Quinnipiac scored five unearned runs. After the Orange came back to tie the score at 5-5, the game went into extra innings. The game, which lasted more than three hours, was finally decided in the tenth inning with Quinnipiac winning 7-6. Femke van Dusschoten threw strong in relief of Laura Treurniet, who had taken over the pitching from starter Eva Voortman.
On Monday-evening, the team starts the journey back home.
Recap Day 14 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 14 (Ned.)

Dutch Team wins another game;
Rebecca Soumeru throws first pitch at Phillies
The Dutch National Softball Team on Saturday-evening March 12 won 4-3 vs. Robert Morris University to registers its third win in a row and fourth in the last five games. Initially, Backstop Radio Pengue was to broadcast this game live again, but unfortunately this had to be cancelled due to internet-connection problems on the site in Clearwater. Besides that, one-and-a-half-hour before the game, the starting time vs. the Colonials changed and started 30 minutes earlier.
In the afternoon, the Dutch Team attended the Major League Spring Training game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Tampa Bay Rays in Clearwater. Before the start of this game, the ceremonial first pitch was thrown out by our pitcher Rebecca Soumeru, which of course was a great honor!
Hereafter, the team had a Meet & Greet with softball-youth players, before playing in the evening.
Recap Day 13 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 13 (Ned.)

Dutch Team makes boat-trip; game re-scheduled
The Dutch National Softball Team on Friday, March 11 had the morning off and made a boat-trip off the coast of Clearwater. During the trip, they had encounters with dolphins and went by the houses of celebrities as John Travolta, Nigel Mansell and Hulk Hogan. The team then returned to their hotel in the afternoon and were to play against the team of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay later in the day. However, that game was re-scheduled, as the opponent arrived late in Florida on Thursday-evening, due to travel delays by snow back home in Wisconsin. Besides that, Wisconsin already had two games scheduled today that were part of the USF Under Armour Invitational & Showcase and which it both won, defeating Central Connecticut (5-2) and Quinnipiac (7-2). The Dutch vs. Wisconsin game is now re-scheduled for next Sunday, preceeding the already scheduled game vs. Quinnipiac University.
Recap Day 12 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 12 (Ned.)

Dutch Team completes double-header with shutout-win
On a chilly and windy Thursday-evening, the Dutch National Softball Team completed the double-header with a 5-0 shutout-win vs. Central Connecticut State University. Three Dutch pitchers combined on a 2-hitter, while starter Lindsey Meadows dominated and struckout nine hitters. The Dutch offense collected eight basehits, including homeruns by Nadine Marinus and Nathalie Gosewehr. Both games today were covered live through an internet-radio broadcast by Backstop Radio Pengue and its reporter Elvin Englentina (photo right at work in Clearwater). This new station, which started in January, probably also will cover next Saturday's game. A confirmation of this broadcast will appear on this site.
Recap Day 11 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 11 (Ned.)

Dutch Team opens double-header with 8th inning win
The Dutch National Softball Team opened their double-header today, Thursday, March 10, with a 5-4 8th inning win vs. Saint Joseph's University. With the score tied, the Dutch scored three runs in the eighth inning, highlighted by a triple by Fabienne van Uden. Rebecca Soumeru went the distance and dominated by throwing eleven strikeouts.
Recap Day 11 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 11 (Ned.)

Dutch Team suffers small loss
The Dutch National Softball Team played another fine game on Wednesday-evening March 9, but lost 2-1 to the team of the University of South Florida in Tampa. Both teams had only two basehits in this pitching duel. Nadine Marinus and Fabienne van Uden accounted for the two Dutch hits. The USA Tour will continue on Thursday with a double-header. First, the team meets St. Joseph's University, to be followed by a game vs. Central Connecticut State University with the first game starting at 5 PM (11 PM Dutch time).
Recap Day 10 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 10 (Ned.)

Big win for Dutch squad
The Dutch National Softball Team on Tuesday-evening registered a big 12-5 victory vs. St. John's University. The team collected 17 basehits, including homeruns by Nathalie Gosewehr and Karin Tuk, who both had three basehits. Chantal Versluis also had three basehits. She also had three RBI's, as did rookie Noëmie Brandjes, while Solange Starrenburg stole four bases. With this, the Dutch Team ended a 4-game losing streak. Today (Wednesday), the Dutch Team meets the University of South Florida at Tampa.
Recap Day 9 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 9 (Ned.)

Tough loss in Tuesday-opener
Today, Tuesday, March 8, the Dutch National Softball Team continues its USA Tour with two games in Clearwater, Florida. In the first game of today, the team met Central Michigan University. After trailing 3-1, the Dutch came back and the score was tied 4-4 after seven innings. In the top of the eighth, the strong playing Dutch took a 6-4 lead, but a homerun in the bottom half tied the score again, then a walk and a single resulted in a 7-6 loss.
Starting at 6:00 PM (midnight Dutch time), the next game will be played vs. St. John's University.
Recap Day 9 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 9 (Ned.)

Dutch Team shut out after returning from Tennessee
After its return from Tennessee, the Dutch National Softball Team on Monday-evening arrived somewhat over an hour before the start of its next game vs. Ball State University in Clearwater. The Dutch Team was more productive than its opponent and frequently reached base, but was shutout 2-0. On Tuesday, the team will play its next two games, starting at 11 AM and 6:00 PM local time (which is 5 PM and midnight Dutch time).
Recap Day 8 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 8 (Ned.)

Dutch Team back in Florida
The Dutch National Softball Team landed on Orlando International Airport at 2:01 PM (local time, 8:01 Dutch time) on Monday, March 7, and then by bus headed back to Clearwater, where it will face Ball State University in the evening. In the meantime, Nathalie Timmermans returned to Oklahoma City this morning, while Anne Blaauwgeers arrived in Florida.

Dutch Team loses to Tennessee in last inning
The Dutch National Softball Team led 5-3 vs. the University of Tennessee on Sunday-evening with temperatures dropping to freezing temperatures from the sixth inning on, but failed to hold onto the lead. In the seventh, Tennessee rallied for three runs, came alongside, then scored the winning run with one out to win 6-5. With this game, the Dutch squad completed the Tennessee Classic. On Monday-morning, the team will fly back to Florida where it will meet Ball State University in the evening in Clearwater.
Recap Day 7 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 7 (Ned.)

Dutch Team falls to Georgia Southern
On Sunday, March 6, in a game that started one hour and 12 minutes later than scheduled, due to the weather conditions and was played in winterly conditions (temperature was 37 degrees Fahrenheit (3 Celsius), but felt like 32 (0 Celsius) degrees), the Dutch National Softball Team lost 5-2 to Georgia Southern University. The Dutch took a 2-0 lead in the first inning on a 2-out, 2-run single by Solange Starrenburg, but then Georgia tied the score in the second inning and went on to win. The Dutch now will meet the University of Tennessee, starting around 6 PM (local; 11 PM Dutch time). This game can be followed live through a video-stream.
Recap Day 7 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 7 (Ned.)

WEATHER UPDATE KNOXVILLE
Rain has stopped in Knoxville and the tarp will be removed from the field shortly. The rest of the day should be fine, clouded, but also a little sunny, meaning the games probably can be played as scheduled. The Dutch vs. Georgia Southern game will probably start around 12:15 PM (local; 6:15 PM (Dutch time). So, the Play Ball will sound shortly.

Sunday's games delayed by weather
The two games of the Dutch National Softball Team in Knoxville will start an hour later than scheduled today. This because of weather conditions, which include rain and, yes, even SNOW, in some places. As of now, the Dutch will start it's first game at noon (local; 6 Dutch time) vs. Georgia Southern, to be followed by the match-up between Georgia Southern and Tennessee. The final game between the Dutch Team and Tennessee is now scheduled for 4 PM ((10 PM Dutch time).

Come-from-behind win Dutch Team; next game rains out
Early Saturday-morning, March 5, the Dutch National Softball Team played its first game in the Tennessee Classic Tournament and registered a come-from-behind 4-3 win vs. the University of Louisiana-Monroe. The Dutch trailed 3-0 after four innings, but then had a 3-homerun fifth at bat to take a 4-3 lead. Merel Oosterveld (2-run) and Saskia Kosterink hit back-to-back homeruns to tie the score, then Karin Tuk added a solo-shot with two outs to make it 4-3. Later in the day, the team was to play vs. Furman University, but that game was cancelled due to rain.
Recap Day 6 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 6 (Ned.)

Dutch Team travels to Tennessee
The Dutch National Softball Team traveled to Knoxville in Tennessee on Friday, March 4. It was another long day for the team, as it woke up very early to fly to Tennessee, but in the afternoon and evening, the team had time to rest. At the site of the University of Tennessee, the Dutch squad will play four games, two each on Saturday and Sunday, before returning to Florida on Monday-morning. All four games can be followed through a live play-by-play, the links can be found on the recap on today.
Recap Day 5 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 5 (Ned.)

Loss for Dutch Team in second game
On Thursday-evening, March 3, the Dutch National Softball Team met the Lions, the softball-team of Loyola Marymount University in its second game of the USA Tour. After a strong start the day before, the Dutch squad tonight was shutout 3-0, despite outhitting their opponent 7-5. Ginger de Weert (4 innings), Eva Voortman (2) and Laura Treurniet (1) pitched for the Dutch squad. The Lions scored twice early in the game, then added another run towards the end. The Dutch got a scoring opportunity halfway, but then had an unfortunate break as a runner passed a preceeding runner and was called out.
Recap Day 4 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 4 (Ned.)

Strong opening Dutch Team
The Dutch Softball Team had a strong outing in its first game of their USA Trip on Wednesday, March 2, winning 6-1 vs. the University of Michigan, which had won its previous 17 games. Three pitchers struckout nine batters, while the offense outhit the Wolverines 9-6. Three players had a multi-hit game. The Dutch Team plays its next game on Thursday-evening, meeting the team of Loyola Marymount University.
Recap Day 3 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 3 (Ned.)

Bats arrive in time for game!
Towards the end of Wednesday-morning, the bag with the team's bats finally arrived in the hotel in Clearwater. The bag was missing since the team changed planes in Atlanta during the delay, which was caused by weather conditions. And so the players can use their own bats on Wednesday-evening when the Dutch Softball Team plays its first game against the University of Michigan.

Dutch Team conducts first practice
The Dutch National Softball Team on Tuesday, March 1 conducted its first pratice session at Eddie C. Moore Sports Complex in Clearwater. Initially, the team was to practice in the morning, but that was cancelled due to rain. But later in the day, the weather improved and it became sunny and hot. Therefore, the team held its practice session in the afternoon after enjoying a self-made lunch. After diner, it was back to the hotel, where everyone went to bed early. The team will play its first game on Wednesday, meeting the University of Michigan.
Recap Day 2 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 2 (Ned.)

Dutch Team arrives safely in Florida
The Dutch National Softball Team arrived safely in Clearwater, Florida (USA) on Monday, February 28 (or rather Tuesday, March 1) after a long day of traveling. The day started with getting together at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport around 11:00 on Monday-morning and ended well after midnight in the early hours of Tuesday-morning local time (which was around 8 AM Dutch time on Tuesday) when the hotel in Clearwater was reached after a long delay. A severe thunderstorm was the reason for the delay. When the plane from Amsterdam approached Atlanta, the area was stricken by severe thunderstorms, resulting in several flight being diverted. After circling around for an hour, the team touched down in Atlanta. Next, the connecting flight to Tampa was delayed for almost three hours because of the weather conditions, then arrived at 00:35 AM (local) in Tampa, to be followed by a busride to Clearwater.
Recap Day 1 (Eng.) | Verslag Dag 1 (Ned.)

With this update
With this update, all coverage of the 2010 season (which until now also was listed on this page underneath the 2011 headlines) has been moved to the archives of this site.
Of course, all coverage of last year, which includes the World Championship, remains available. Simply go to archive-link (in the menu above) and choose for 2010 (or another year) when you want to re-read the articles again.

Coming weekend: National Team Showcase
Coming weekend, February 26 and 27, the first National Team Showcase will be held in Sporthallen Zuid in Amsterdam. On both days, a full program is scheduled, including open for all workshops, clinics and topics on pitching, hitting, coaching, umpiring and much more. Also, exhibition games will be played by the Dutch National Team and the Dutch Junior Red and White Teams. The National Team Showcase is open for everyone interested in softball, from players to coaches to officials to family-members. Coaches and umpires will be able to join their colleages and can even experience participating in events.
Complete Schedule (Eng.) | Compleet Programma (Ned.)

Former National Team Coach André Prins to coach in France
Veteran coach André Prins, who was a member of the coachingstaff of the Dutch National Team in 2005 and was involved as coach and manager of the national youth teams from 2005-2009, will return to a national squad. In 2011, Prins will be the Head Coach of the national team of France, with whom he will participate in this years European Championship in Italy. Last year, Prins headed the French Junior Team during the European Championship in Vienna (Austria). In the past, he also coached the national senior and junior teams of Russia.

Team Orange wins Future Stars Tournament
Team Orange remained unbeaten on Sunday, February 13 to finish in first place of the 2nd Right To Play Future Stars Indoor Softball Tournament, which was held in Sporthallen Zuid at Amsterdam. Quincey Catsburg of Team White won two individual awards, as she was the Batting Champion, but also was named Most Valuable Player of the 2-day event. Ilona Andringa (Team Red) was the Best Pitcher, while Noa Brand (Team Orange) was honored as the Most Outstanding Player. During the Closing Ceremony, it also was announced that the players of the Dutch National Softball Team will conduct a clinic at The Pioneers in Assen later this year, as this club from the northern part of the country attended the event with the highest total of clubmembers.
Recap & photos Day 2 (Eng.) | Verslag & foto's tweede speeldag (Ned.)

Day 1 Future Stars Tournament in the books
The first 10 games of the 2nd Right To Play Future Stars Softball Tournament are now history. On the first day of the 2-day event, the seven participating teams all won at least once, making Day 2 (on Sunday, February 13) a very interesting one! After the first day, the Dutch Junior Orange team leads with 2 victories and one tie, followed by the Dutch Red-squad and the two Czech teams. Rounding out the table are the Dutch White and Blue Teams and Great Britain. The players of the Dutch National Softball Team today served in a supporting role, acting as hostess, assistant coach, runners, raffle ticket-sellers, etcera.
Recap & photos Day 1 (Eng.) | Verslag & foto's eerste speeldag (Ned.)

Fourth intersquad game played
Today, Friday, February 11, the Dutch National Softball Team played its fourth intersquad game of their indoor season. In today's game, five players from the Junior Red-squad were invited to participate in the practice and the game. The Dutch Team plays its next intersquad game on Friday, February 25, also in Amsterdam, starting at 11:45 AM.
Lookback to today's game (Eng.) | Terugblik op duel van vandaag (Ned.)

Coming weekend: Future Stars Tournament
Coming weekend, February 12 and 13, the 2nd Right To Play Future Stars Softball Tournament will take place in Amsterdam. Participating are four Dutch teams, two Czech and one British. On Sunday, February 6, the rosters were named for the four Dutch squads. All players from the National Softball Team will be on hand during the event, where they will have a supporting role. All 21 scheduled games can be followed through a Live Play-by-Play.
Latest news Future Stars (Eng.) | Laatste nieuws Future Stars (Ned.)

Schedule National Team Showcase
In the weekend of February 26-27, the National Team Showcase will take place in the Sporthallen Zuid in Amsterdam. A full program is scheduled, including intersquad games by the Dutch National Team and the Dutch Junior Red and White Teams. Also included are workshops for Pitching, Hitting, Umpiring and much more. The National Team Showcase is an Open House-event and is open for everyone interested in softball, from players to coaches to officials to family-members. The preliminary schedule has now been announced, but new topics can still be added.
Latest news Showcase (Eng.) | Laatste nieuws Showcase (Ned.)

Dutch Team to face Notre Dame?
Talks are underway for the possibility of setting up a 4-game Friendly Challenge Series between the Dutch National Softball Team and the Fighting Irish, the softball-team of Notre Dame University. As of now, the tentative dates for playing these games, two double-headers, are October 15 and 16.
More about these games (Eng.) | Meer over deze wedstrijden (Ned.)

First homerun in Tulip League
On Friday, February 4, the Dutch National Softball Team played its third intersquad game of the season. In this game, the first homerun was hit and it wasn't hit by a player on the active roster, but by a guest-player. The Dutch Team will play its next intersquad game on Friday, February 11, also in Amsterdam.
Lookback to today's game (Eng.) | Terugblik op duel van vandaag (Ned.)

Junior Player added to National Team Roster
In January, Dutch National Team Head Coach Craig Montvidas added a second current player of the Dutch Junior Red Team to the preliminary roster of the National Team. After catcher Noëmie Brandjes was added in November, this time lefthanded Pitcher Eva Voortman was promoted. Both will travel will the national squad to Florida/Tennessee at the end of February to participate in a 2-week spring training. Noëmie and Eva also remain part of the Dutch Junior Red Team. With the addition of Eva, the total players on the current active roster is now 24.

News of the Dutch Juniors
There is also news added to the pages of the Dutch Junior Softball Teams. Amongst the news items is a recap of the annual Indoor Cup Tournament January 14-16, where Kimberly Jones was the Best Hitter. Also, Mary-Ann Hatt has been added to the coachingstaff of the Junior White Team and a new roster of the Junior Red Team has been announced.
News of the Dutch Juniors (in Dutch only) | Meer nieuws over Jong Oranje (Ned.)

Dutch Team plays another game
On Friday, January 28, the Dutch National Softball Team played its second intersquad game of the season at the Sporthallen Zuid in Amsterdam. In last week's game, the players just switched between hitting and playing defensively, but today two teams were formed who faced each other. The next intersquad game will be played on Friday, February 4, also in Amsterdam.
More on this intersquad game (Eng.) | Meer over de intersquad game (Ned.)

Awards for current and former internationals
Three current National Team-players, two former internationals and two players on the current Dutch Junior-roster won individual awards on Saturday, January 22 when the Dutch Association named its best players of the 2010 season. Two other National Team-players were nominated for an award. Lindsey Meadows was named Best Pitcher, while Britt Vonk won two awards, former Orange-1B Kim Kluijskens was named MVP.
More on the annual awards (Eng.) | Meer over de prijsuitreiking (Ned.)

Dutch Team plays first intersquad game
The Dutch National Softball Team played its first intersquad game on Friday, January 21 in its indoor facility in Amsterdam. With this game, the squad opened its indoor 'Tulip League' which will exist of seven intersquad games. Four more are to be played before the teams leaves for Florida in the end of February. Today's game was attended by Roelant Oltmans of the Netherlands Olympic Committee.
More on this intersquad game (Eng.) | Meer over de intersquad game (Ned.)

Former international also to play in Italy
Outfielder Linda Hoenderdos, who played in the Dutch National Softball Team in 2005, is the latest player who decided to play in the Italian Softball League in 2011. After completion of the 2010 season, Linda initially retired, but she now comes out of retirement to add another season.
More on Linda's decision (Eng.) | Meer over Linda's besluit (Ned.)

Dutch Team opens indoor practices
The Dutch National Softball Team opened the 2011 season with its first practice session on Wednesday, January 12 at Zeist. From now on, the Dutch Team will conduct three indoor practices per week. On Friday, January 21, the first indoor game is scheduled to be played. The indoor games are open for everyone to watch. To start the new season, the team posed with the European Championship Trophy of 2009, as it will defend the Cup in 2011 in Italy.
More on the first practice (Eng.) | Meer over de eerste training (Ned.)

Additional Physical Therapist joins staff
The medical staff of the Dutch National Softball Teams was expanded with Ingrid Holstege, who became the third Physical Therapist, joining Anouk Fermont and Sanne Oude Egberink. Ingrid was introduced during the first practice sessions of the Dutch National Team on Wednesday, January 12. From now on, she will be with the team during the weekly Friday-practices in Amsterdam.
More on Ingrid's debut (Eng.) | Meer over Ingrid's debuut (Ned.)

Karen Marr attends first practice
New Pitching Coach Karen Marr was at her first practice session on Sunday, January 9 when the two Dutch Junior Softball Teams staged another indoor practice in Veenendaal. The Australian coach first appearance with the Dutch National Softball Team is on Wednesday, January 12 when the squad opens its indoor sessions of the year in Zeist.
More on Karen's first practice (Eng.) | Meer over Karen's eerste training (Ned.)

Team Manager Paul Boonstra marries in Thailand
Team Manager Paul Boonstra married to his wife Rung on Saturday, January 8 in Sisaket in Thailand. Paul and Rung already were married in the Netherlands, but today married for the second time, enabling Rung's family to attend the ceremony.
More on Paul's marriage (Eng.) | Meer over Paul's huwelijk (Ned.)

Schedule announced for American trip
On Saturday, January 8, the schedule was announced for the trip to the USA where the Dutch National Softball Team will conduct a trainingcamp in the first two weeks of March. The Dutch squad will stay primarily in Clearwater (Florida), but will also travel to Knoxville (Tennessee) to play four games there. At the moment, 14 games are scheduled for the trip, but more might be added.
More on the American tour (Eng.) | Meer over de Amerikaanse tour (Ned.)

Anne Blaauwgeers, Nathalie Timmermans, Britt Vonk in USA
Dutch National Team-player Anne Blaauwgeers flew to the USA on Friday, January 7, while Orange-players Nathalie Timmermans and Britt Vonk return or will return to the States in the following days. Also starting an American adventure are Jessie van Aalst and Mariëlle Vleugels, two players on the current roster of the Dutch Junior Red Team. Besides these five, former National Team Alternates Maaike Blaauwgeers and Malou van Dusschoten also will play in America the coming months.
More on these American trips (Eng.) | Meer over deze Amerikaanse trips (Ned.)

Karen Marr arrives in Netherlands
New Pitching Coach Karen Marr arrived in the Netherlands early on Friday-morning, January 7 when her plane touched at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. The Australian coach will be at her first practice session on Sunday, January 9 when the two Dutch Junior Teams are practicing in Veenendaal. On January 12, Karen joins the Dutch National Team during its first indoor practice of the year in Zeist.

Website Dutch National Softball Teams updated again
The website of the Dutch National Softball Teams has had a major update again. Included in the new update are 126 new pages, changes or additions to 257 previously published pages and 380 new illustrations (including 311 photos). Amongst the new additions are of course the pages of the players of the newly formed Dutch Junior White Team, as well as the new players added to the Dutch Junior Red Team, but also of the new staffmembers and of upcoming events. In the menu above, you can make your choice for the Dutch National Team, as well as the Junior Red and White Teams. As soon as the first activity of 2011 is in the books (Indoor Cup), all items of 2010 (as published below) will go to the archives and then this opening page will entire focus on the 2011 season.
More on the update (Eng.) | Meer over deze update (Ned.)

Dutch Juniors to participate with four teams in Schiedam
The Dutch Junior Red Team will participate with four separate squads in the upcoming edition of the International Indoor Cup in Schiedam, which will be held January 14-16. Initially, three teams would take part, but after Dridma from Spain withdraw, a request to field a fourth team was honored. There are currently 46 players on the preliminary roster, who will be divided into four teams. The game schedule for the event was announced on January 4.
More on the Indoor-schedule (Eng.) | Meer over het Indoor-schema (Ned.)

Saskia Kosterink on TV
Dutch National Team-outfielder Saskia Kosterink will be a guest participant in Beat De Mol, a game show of Veronica TV-channel, which will be broadcast on Tuesday, December 21. In the game show, Saskia will assist one of the two candidates during several games in the studio.
More on this gameshow (Eng.) | Meer over deze spelshow (Ned.)

Dutch National Team to promote BuntDown Bat
During the upcoming indoor practice sessions, but also during the following outdoor practices, the Dutch National Softball Team will use and promote a specially designed bat, developed by BuntDown Bat. This bat will be specifically used during bunt drills.
More about this promotion (Eng.) | Meer over deze promotie (Ned.)

Russell strengthens partnership Dutch National Team; Dudley provides balls
Russell has increased its support of the Dutch National Women Softball Team and will provide the players and staffmembers with clothing. Besides that, the Dutch squad will play with balls provided by Dudley during the Holland Tour 2011.
More about these agreements (Eng.) | Meer over deze overeenkomsten (Ned.)

Craig Montvidas returns from San Diego
Dutch National Team Head Coach and Dutch Youth Teams Coordinator Craig Montvidas returned from San Diego on December 13. In San Diego, Montvidas attended the annual convention of the National Fastpitch Coaches Assocation.
More on Craig's trip (Eng.) | Meer over Craig's reis (Ned.)

Playing sites European Championship confirmed
The Italian Baseball and Softball Federation (FIBS) confirmed to the European Softball Federation (ESF) that Ronchi dei Legionari will be the main playing site during next years European Championship. There also will be played in Staranzano and Redipuglia. A website also has been launched for the event.
More on the playing sites (Eng.) | Meer over de speellocaties (Ned.)

2nd Future Stars Tournament and Showcase coming up
In February 2011, there will be two big softball events taking place in Amsterdam. On February 12-13, the second edition of the Right To Play Future Stars Tournament will take place, which will have an international status. Two weeks later, the first National Team Showcase will be organized.
More on these events (Eng.) | Meer over deze evenementen (Ned.)

Karen Marr new Pitching Coach Dutch Team
Australian Karen Marr is the new Pitching Coach of the Dutch National Softball Team. On December 2, her assignment was officially announced. The last six years, Karen Marr was the Pitching Coach of the University of Louisville in the USA.
More on Karen Marr (Eng.) | Meer over Karen Marr (Ned.)

National Team Roster expanded to 25 players
Towards the end of November, Dutch National Team Head Coach Craig Montvidas has added a 25th player to the preliminary roster of the national squad. The initial group of 21 players was expanded in October with Dinet Oosting, Laura Treurniet and Marisčla de Wind, former members of the Dutch Junior Softball Team, who are no longer eligible for this team. The 25th player on the roster is catcher/short stop Noëmie Brandjes, who in October was one of the 49 players named to the preliminary roster of the Dutch Junior Red Softball Team.

Lindsey Meadows, Nathalie Gosewehr to play in Italy
Pitcher Lindsey Meadows and Nathalie Gosewehr, one of the outfielders of the Dutch National Softball Team, both will play in the Italian Softball League next year. Lindsey will be playing for Nuoro, while Nathalie will play for Italian champion DES Caserta in 2011.
More on these transfers (Eng.) | Meer over deze transfers (Ned.)

Daughters for Junior Coaches
Within a week, Dutch Junior-coaches Mireille Gill'ard and Sandra Gouverneur became mothers. On November 20, Mireille welcomed her second daughter, Maja-Yann, while Sandra become mother for the first time when daughter Mette was born on November 28. Recently, Mireille was named the Head Coach of the Dutch Junior Red Team, while Sandra will be a Hitting Instructor in 2011. A month earlier, on October 2, former National Team-catcher Nina van Huissteden also became a mother for the first time when son Jelle was born.

Solange Starrenburg in Benin for Right To Play
Dutch National Softball Team-outfielder Solange Starrenburg on November 15 returned from Benin in Africa, after spending a week there as a member of a delegation of Right To Play. The Dutch Softball Team is one of the ambassadors of this organization since June 2009. During their impressive stay in Benin, the delegation visited several schools, as well as facilities of Right to Play and conducted clinics.

National Team players change clubs
Several players, who are currently on the roster of the Dutch National Softball Team, have changed clubs during the transfer-period, that ended on November 1. Also, some players on the rosters of the Dutch Junior Teams changed clubs.
More on the transfers (Eng.) | Meer over de transfers (Ned.)

New players on Junior Rosters get together;
new staff members introduced
On October 31, a total of 93 players got together in Veenendaal for the first meeting of the Dutch Junior Red and White Softball Teams for 2011. Also, four new staff members were introduced, while the staff for the 2011 season of the youth-teams also were announced.
More on this meeting (Eng.) | Meer over deze meeting (Ned.)

Preliminary roster National Team announced; Three Junior-players added
Catcher/Infielder Dinet Oosting, Pitcher/1B Laura Treurniet and Outfielder Marisčla de Wind were all added to the roster of the Dutch National Softball Team in October. In 2010, the three were all members of the Dutch Junior Softball Team that participated in the European Junior Championship in Vienna (Austria). Due to their age, the three are no longer eligible to play for the Junior-squad. While being on the National Team-roster, the three will practice with the squad and be part of the team until the moment the final roster will be named for the European Championship 2011 in Italy. Besides the three former Junior-players, the roster is compiled of all 17 players who participated in the World Championship in Venezuela, plus four of the alternate players, who were on the roster for 2010. The current roster now exists of 24 players.

...In December 2008, Craig Montvidas was named to lead the Dutch National Women Softball Team the next four years. Under his leadership, the Royal Dutch Baseball and Softball Association (KNBSB) entered a new chapter in the rich history of Dutch softball, which started 68 years ago in 1943. Since then, Dutch softball evolved into a well organized sport and the Netherlands became one of the leading countries in Europe.

2010 was another thrilling year for everyone involved. It was the year in which the Dutch Softball Team participated in the World Championships in the Veneuelan capital Caracas and reached the play-offs for the first time again in 16 years! But there also was a disappointment, as the Dutch Junior Team not only was dethroned as European champion, but also failed to qualify for the World Championship 2011.

In 2009, the national team recaptured the European title for the first time in 19 years by staying inbeaten during the European Championships in Spain. It was the closing of a successful international season in which the Dutch Softball Team showed its enthusiasm and also played attractive games during the Holland Tour, Canada Cup and World Cup of Softball. A season also in which the Dutch Junior Team captured the silver medal on the first World Youth Championships under 17 in the Czech Republic. It was a season with many highlights, but also a year in which the Dutch Softball Team became an ambassador of Right To Play.

In 2008, the Dutch National Women Softball participated in the Olympic Games in Beijing for the first time since the Atlanta Olympics in 1996. It was the crown on a year of hard work. Unfortunately, the Olympic softball-tournament in Beijing was the last for this moment. Softball (and baseball) is no part of the Olympic Games in 2012 in London (Great Britain), but the international softball-community is working hard for the reinstatement of the sport on the Olympic Games. The International Softball Federation (ISF) launched the BackSoftball-campaign in 2007 and in November 2008, twelve international Athlete Ambassadors were named to support the program. One of the players which were chosen for this unique position is Dutch national team-player Saskia Kosterink.

In 2008, to celebrate the return of the Dutch team to the Olympics, this site was created and launched, enabling everyone to follow the Dutch national team, its players and its games. The site has proven to be a great success and attracted a lot of visitors. In 2008 and 2009, the site was only available in the English language, but since the end of 2009, all coverage is been done in both the English and Dutch language. Furthermore, starting in November 2009, the site expanded with the coverage of the Dutch National Junior Red Team. In January of 2010, the coverage of the Dutch National Junior White Team was added.

2011 will again be an exciting and intense year for everyone involved, but it also will be another year in which experiences and new impressions will be gained. A year in which new goals will be set! A year in which the Dutch National Softball Team will participate in the European Championship in Italy, where it will defend its title. A year in which the youngest group of the Dutch Juniors will participate in the European Championship in Belgium. Of course, all previous coverage of the 2008, 2009 and 2010 seasons of the Dutch National Softball Teams (and more) will remain available on this site.

This site is for you all, we hope you will support us with your enthousiasm by not only attending and enjoying our games, but also stimulate everyone involved to get the best possible results.
We thank our sponsors, suppliers and partners (please visit their sites), but also our fans, and we hope you will enjoy this site. Of course, you can always contact us.

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