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Dutch Team closes season & meets Cadets
The Dutch National Softball Team closed its 2009 season on Wednesday, September 30 with a final practice in Nieuwegein. A week earlier, the team invited the members of the Dutch National Cadets Team, which captured the Silver Medal in August on the first-ever Youth World Championships Under 16 in Prague (Czech Republic). The Dutch Team will start preparations again for the 2010 season on November 1.
Recap of these activities (Eng.) | Verslag van deze activiteiten (Ned.)
Back together again
Somewhat over a month after capturing the European title in Spain, the Dutch National Softball Team got together again on Wednesday, September 9 for a team-meeting, a look back, a look forward and taking several promotional photos at their 'home site' at Nieuwegein. Five days later, the team was invited in the skybox of the KNBSB to attend one of the games of the Dutch Baseball Team during the World Cup.
Recap of these activities (Eng.) | Verslag van deze activiteiten (Ned.)
Dutch players participate in Right To Play-happening
Four players of the Dutch National Softbal Team, including its three team-captain's, on Wednesday joined representatives of Right To Play and Netherlands Olympic Commitee Chairman Erica Terpstra in a happening at Papendal, where the winners were announced of a fundraising held by children, resulting in Right To Play receiving a donation of 25.000 Euro.
Recap of today's activities (Eng.) | Verslag van de activiteiten van vandaag (Ned.)
Nathalie returns to USA
Dutch National Team catcher Nathalie Timmermans on August 21 left the European CupWinners Cup Tournament in Italy early, as she returned to the USA on August 23. There, she will study and play the coming months at the Oklahoma City University.
More on Nathalie's return to the USA
Softball not included in Olympic recommendation
During a meeting in Berlin (Germany), the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Thursday recommended golf and rugby to be included in the 2016 Olympic Games. Softball and baseball were also amongst the seven candidates, as were karate, roller sports and squash. A final decision follows during the IOC Session in October in Copenhagen (Denmark).
More on the Olympic decision
European Champion returns home
Less than 24 hours after capturing the European title for the first time in 19 years, the Dutch National Softball Team returned home safely on Sunday-evening.
It was only the third time in Dutch history that the team remained unbeaten during an European Championships, the first times being 1983 and 1984.
The nine victories (including seven shutouts) equaled the record set in 1983.
After a 2 hours and 10 minutes flight from Valencia, the team was welcomed at Schiphol International Airport at Amsterdam by family-members, fans, representatives of the Dutch Association (KNBSB) and members of the press.
Recap of today's activities
DUTCH TEAM CAPTURES EUROPEAN TITLE!!!
The Dutch National Softball Team captured the European title on Saturday-evening in Valencia by winning 4-0 vs. Great Britain in the all-deciding final.
It was the first time the title went to the Netherlands, since it last won in 1990. Since then, Italy won the European title eight times in a row.
Three runs were scored in the fourth inning by Saskia Kosterink, Nathalie Timmermans and Virginie Anneveld, while Britt Vonk added the fourth run in the sixth at bat.
Dagmar Bloeming went the distance and gave up only two basehits.
Chantal Versluis was named Team MVP, while Rebecca Soumeru was named Best Pitcher of the tournament.
Recap & Box Score final vs. Great Britain
DUTCH TEAM IN EC-FINAL!
The Dutch National Softball Team on Friday-evening qualified for the final game of the European Championships in Valencia by shutting out Great Britain 2-0. The British team now will meet the Czech Republic in the second semi-final on Saturday-morning with the winner qualifying for the final and the loser taking the bronze medal.
The Dutch Team scored both runs in the fourth inning. Areke Spel scored on a grounder by Chantal Versluis, while Petra van Heijst crossed home plate on a bunt-single by Nathalie Gosewehr.
By reaching the final, the Dutch Team also complied with the criteria of the Netherlands Olympic Committee to keep its so-called A-status for next year.
Recap & Box Score semi-final vs. Great Britain
Dutch Team wins another thriller
The Dutch National Softball Team closed the second round of the European Championships on Friday-afternoon with a come-from-behind 6-5 victory vs. the Czech Republic in another extra inning thriller.
After trailing 5-0, the Dutch scored once in the sixth, then came alongside by scoring four runs in the seventh at bat.
The winning run was then scored in the eighth by tie-break runner Meike Witteveen on a throwing error.
Solange Starrenburg contributed with four basehits.
On Friday-evening, the Dutch Team will meet Great Britain again in the first semi-final.
Before the start of this morning's game, Italy was dethroned as European champion by losing 2-1 to Russia and was therefore eliminated for the finals, meaning Italy also didn't qualify for next years World Championships. Because of the Dutch win against the Czechs, Great Britain did secure itself of participation in the World Championships of next year in Oklahoma City.
Recap & Box Score game vs. Czech Republic
DUTCH QUALIFY FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS!
In less than a year from now, the Dutch National Softball Team will return to Oklahoma City, as it qualified for next years World Championships after winning a 2 1/2 hour thriller against Great Britain on Thursday-evening 3-2 in nine innings, coming back from an early 2-0 deficit in the first inning.
The Dutch Team scored in the fifth and seventh inning to come alongside, then won the game in the ninth on a squeeze by Areke Spel, scoring Britt Vonk.
The game followed another extra inning thriller in which Germany came from behind to win 4-3 in eight innings vs. Italy.
Recap & Box Score game vs. Great Britain
Dutch Team one-runs Italy!
The Dutch National Softball Team opened the second round of the European Championships in Valencia on Thursday-morning with a 1-0, 8-inning, tie-break victory in a thriller against rival Italy. On Thursday-night, the Dutch Team will meet Great Britain, starting at 8:00 PM.
Recap & Box Score game vs. Italy
Dutch close preliminaries with fourth shutout
The Dutch National Softball Team on Wednesday ended the preliminary round of the European Championships in Spain with its fourth shutout-win in a row, defeating Germany 9-0 on five basehits. On Thursday, the Dutch will open the second round vs. Italy, which lost 8-1 to the Czech Republic on Wednesday. In the Dutch Pool, Germany and Russia also qualified. The qualifiers from Pool B are Great Britain, Czech Republic and Italy.
Recap & Box Score game vs. Germany
Dutch clinch spot in second round!
The Dutch National Softball Team on Tuesday qualified for Round 2 of the European Championships in Valencia by shutting out Austria, 12-0, which followed an 7-0 shutout vs. Russia in the morning. On Wednesday, the Dutch closes the preliminary round vs. Germany. Pitchers Rebecca Soumeru and Kirsten Scheele respectively gave up two and one basehit to their opponents. Areke Spel homered vs. Austria.
Recaps & Box Scores games vs. Russia, Austria
Dutch Team opens EC with No-Hitter
The Dutch National Softball Team opened the 16th European Championships in Valencia on Monday-evening with a big 11-0 shutout-victory vs. France behind the pitching of Femke van Dusschoten, who threw a 5-inning No-Hitter and struckout seven batters. The Dutch offense registered nine basehits, including four extra basehits.
Coverage of today's activities and Recap & Box Score game vs. France
Practice, Sightseeing & Meeting
The Dutch National Softball Team on Sunday returned to the field for another 2-hour practice session, this time on the main playing site. The team was off the rest of the day, which several going to the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. In the evening, the Technical Meeting followed, which started 45 minutes too late and ended more than two hours later than scheduled.
Coverage of today's activities
Dutch Team back on the field
The Dutch National Softball Team on Saturday returned to the field after arriving in Valencia the day before. Today, the team conducted a 2-hour practice session and played an exhibition game against Great Britain, which was won 6-1, thanks to a 5-run rally in the seventh inning. The team will have another practice on Sunday, before the European Championships open on Monday.
Coverage of today's activities and Recap & Box Score game vs. Great Britain
Dutch Team arrives in Valencia
The Dutch National Softball Team traveled to Valencia in Spain on Friday-afternoon in a 2 hours 15 minutes flight. After arriving in Valencia, where it was 41 degrees Celsius (!), the team checked into the hotel and took a look at the playing sites for the upcoming European Championships, which opens next Monday. On Saturday, the Dutch squad will play an exhibition team against Great Britain.
Coverage of today's activities
Dutch Team returns home
After completion of the World Cup of Softball, the Dutch National Softball Team returned home safely on Wednesday-morning, traveling from Oklahoma City to Memphis to Amsterdam. Their stay at home will be briefly, as the Team will leave again on Friday when it will fly to Valencia in Spain for the upcoming European Championships, which opens next Monday.
Coverage of today's activities
Dutch overpower Italy to close World Cup
The Dutch National Softball Team hit four homeruns on Monday to overpower Italy and win 8-1 in a 6-inning game and finish in fifth place on the World Cup of Softball. Nathalie Gosewehr, Virginie Anneveld, Chantal Versluis and Saskia Kosterink all homered to lead the team to the victory behind the strong pitching of Rebecca Soumeru, who went the distance and gave up only four hits.
The Dutch Team got a lot of compliments about the games they played and the enthousiastic and approachable players.
The Dutch Team already received an invitation to come back to Oklahoma City for the next World Cup of Softball in 2011.
Recap, Box Score game vs. Italy
Dutch outscored by Canada
The Dutch National Softball Team was close to qualify for the 3rd/4th game, but had to defeat Canada to reach this game. Instead, the Dutch played its lesser game of the World Cup of Softball, losing to Canada 9-2 in five innings. Because of this result, the Dutch Team will meet Italy again on Monday in the game for fifth and sixth place.
Recap, Box Score game vs. Canada
Dutch have fine outing vs. Japan
The Dutch National Softball Team on Saturday-evening added another fine game during the World Cup of Softball, losing only 4-1 to Olympic champion Japan. The Dutch Team got several runners in scoring positions, but failed to move them around. Before the previous game between Japan and the USA, Saskia Kosterink held another speech for the BackSoftball-campaign. Earlier in the day, the Dutch Team visited the Oklahoma City National Memorial, the remembrance site of the bombing downtown which occured in 1995.
Recap, Box Score game vs. Japan
Dutch hold on vs. Australia
The Dutch National Softball Team on Friday-afternoon played another good game of Day 2 of the World Cup of Softball in Oklahoma City, losing 6-1 to Australia, the bronze medal team from the Beijing Olympics. The Dutch took the lead, but trailed only 2-1 in the sixth inning when the Aussies rallied for four runs to decide the game.
Recap, Box Score game vs. Australia
Dutch open WCS with win vs. Italy!
The Dutch National Softball Team opened the World Cup of Softball on Thursday-afternoon with a convincing 6-2 victory vs. Italy on 10 basehits. Pitchers Kirsten Scheele and Dagmar Bloeming dominated, struckout ten batters and gave up only 4 hits. In the evening, the Dutch Team played another good game and lost only 7-2 to Team USA. This game was played an hour later than scheduled due to a severe thunderstorm, which included a tornado-warning.
Recaps, Box Scores games vs. Italy, USA
Practice & Meeting
The Dutch National Softball Team held another practice session on Wednesday, this time indoors, on another hot day in Oklahoma City. Later in the afternoon, the Technical Meeting was held for the World Cup of Softball, which opens op Thursday. The Dutch Team then will meet Italy and the USA.
Coverage of today's activities
A long day on the field
The Dutch National Softball Team on Tuesday spend almost three hours on the field during its first practice session to prepare for the upcoming World Cup of Softball in Oklahoma City on another very hot day. Another practice will follow on Wednesday, before the tournament starts on Thursday.
Coverage of today's activities
Dutch Team arrives in Oklahoma City
The Dutch National Softball Team arrived safely in Oklahoma City on Monday. The team travel came less than one day after the Canada Cup Tournament was completed on Sunday with USA winning the title. On Tuesday, a team-practice is scheduled on a facility close to the hotel.
Coverage of today's activities
USA wins Canada Cup; Dutch starts packing
The Dutch National Softball Team on Sunday had the day off after being eliminated and looked on how Team USA cam from behind to defeat Canada and win the Canada Cup. Also, Saskia Kosterink held a speech during a BackSoftball-moment before the final game. On Monday, the Dutch Team will travel to Oklahoma City for its next appointment, the World Cup of Softball.
Coverage of today's activities
Dutch eliminated in Canada!
The Dutch National Softball Team was eliminated in the Canada Cup Tournament on Saturday-morning after being shutout 7-0 by Venezuela. Earlier in the event, the Dutch Team defeated Venezuela twice, but this time ended up empty-handed. As this was the second loss in the Championship Round, the Dutch Team was eliminated. Next on the agenda is the World Cup of Softball in Oklahoma City (USA).
Recap, Box Score game vs. Venezuela
Dutch beaten in Round Two-opener; Virginie in All Star Team!
The Dutch National Softball Team opened the International Championship Pool of the Canada Cup on Friday with a 6-1 loss vs. Team TFS International. As a result of this loss, the Dutch Team will face Venezuela for the third time on Saturday-morning. A win will mean an additional game, a loss means elimination. Also, Dutch 3B Virginie Anneveld was named to the Canada Cup All Star Team.
Recap, Box Score game vs. Team TFS International
Dutch one-runs by Australia in last inning!
The Dutch National Softball Team on Thursday closed the preliminary round of the Canada Cup with an 1-0 loss vs. Australia. Pitcher Rebecca Soumeru took a No-Hitter into the sixth inning, then gave up two hits in the seventh, resulting in the lone run of the game. The Team will now open the Championship Round on Friday.
Recap, Box Score game vs. Australia
Dutch beat Venezuela again!
The Dutch National Softball Team on Wednesday defeated Venezuela for the second time in the Canada cup Tournament, this time winning 4-2 on nine basehits in a game which was postponed by rain for three hours. Dagmar Bloeming went the distance for the Dutch squad, which later on Wednesday played against the USA and was shutout 8-0.
Recaps, Box Scores games vs. Venezuela, USA
Two big losses Dutch Team
The Dutch National Softball Team started Tuesday with a big 9-0 loss against Australia, which scored the runs in the first two at bats. The game was initially scheduled for Monday-evening, but was postponed to today, due to rain. Later on Tuesday, the Dutch Softball Team met Canada for the second time and lost 10-3.
Recaps, Box Scores games vs. Australia, Canada
Dutch beat Venezuela; next game canceled!
The Dutch National Softball Team on Monday-afternoon defeated Venezuela 3-1 behind strong pitching of Rebecca Soumeru on the third day of the Canada Cup to register its first victory after losing the first two games. In the evening, the game vs. Australia was canceled due to rain and re-scheduled for Tuesday-morning.
Recap, Box Score game vs. Venezuela
Dutch ends up short vs. host
The Dutch National Softball Team came back to tie the score in the second inning vs. host Canada on Day 2 of the Canada Cup, but then ended up losing 8-1 after all. After the game, the official opening ceremony of the event took place. On Monday, the Dutch will meet Venezuela and Australia.
Recap, Box Score game vs. Canada
Dutch open with loss
On the opening day of the Canada Cup Tournament, the Dutch National Sofball Team lost its first game of the event, 7-0, to reigning world champion USA, which last year won the Silver Medal on the Olympic Games in Beijing. On Sunday, the Dutch Team will face organisor Canada.
Recap, Box Score game vs. USA
Another practice on another hot day
The Dutch National Softball Team on Friday conducted another practice session and again it was a hot day. But the team also had some time off. The practice was the final one before the start of the Canada Cup, which opens on Saturday. The Dutch first opponent is Team USA.
Coverage of today's activities
First day on a Canadian field
The Dutch National Softball returned to the field on Thursday-morning, less than a day after arriving in Canada, where it will participate in the Canada Cup that opens next Saturday. On Thursday, the team held a practice, then was off for the day. Another practice is scheduled for Friday.
Coverage of today's activities
En route to Canada
The Dutch National Softball Team on Wednesday, July 1, left for Canada, where it will open its international season next Saturday by participating in the Canada Cup. On Saturday, the Dutch Team opens against reigning world champion USA. On Thursday, the team will conduct its first practice session.
Coverage of today's activities
Packing
On Monday, the Dutch National Softball Team conducted its last practice session in Nieuwegein and then started packing for the upcoming international tournaments in July. Monday was a day of logistics, as all the equipment had to be packed, the last clothing was distributed and everything had to be finalized for departure on Wednesday to Canada.
Coverage of today's activities
Dutch Team closes Holland Tour with win
The Dutch National Softball Team on Saturday concluded the Holland Tour with a 7-0 shutout-victory against a team of former nationals at Zoetermeer. With the win, the Dutch squad finished the Tour with a 26-4 record. Coming week, the Dutch Team will travel to Canada to participate in the Canada Cup, its first international event of the year.
Recap, Box Score games vs. Former Nationals
Donnay to sponsor Dutch Team
On Saturday, before the last game of the Holland Tour, the Dutch National Softball Team presented itself in the new clothing of Donnay, which became partner of the national squad and provides the team with clothing to wear outside the games and during representative moments.
Coverage of the presentation
Time to relax
The Dutch National Softball Team enjoyed a moment to relax on Friday after a busy week. Today, the team ensembled together in the village of Mookhoek where it enjoyed a great barbeque, organized by the parents of player Karin Tuk. The team will be back on the field on Saturday to play the 30th and final game in the Holland Tour, to be played in Zoetermeer.
Coverage of today's activities
Another day on the field
The Dutch National Softball Team was back on the field on Wednesday after an intensive and busy week in which it played seven games in eight days during the Holland Tour. In this period, the national team had appointments in Haarlem, Leiden, Oldenzaal, again Haarlem and Santpoort. Today the team held a practice, the Holland Series ends next Saturday in Zoetermeer with a game against former national team-players.
Coverage of today's practice
Nils is born!
Today was a happy day for Physical Therapist Sanne Oude Egberink and her husband Gert Jan, as they became the proud parents of a son, who was named Nils. Sanne informed everyone that both Nils and she herself are doing fine.
More about Nils
Two more wins for Dutch Team
The Dutch National Softball Team on Sunday increased its Holland Tour-record to 25-4 by adding two victories. At Santpoort, the Dutch shutout Great Britain 9-0, then won 5-3 vs. the Foreign All Star Team. The Holland Tour will be closed next Saturday when the Dutch squad will play in Zoetermeer against a team compiled of former national team-players, who played in the squad from 2005-2008.
Recaps, Box Scores games vs. Great Britain & Foreign All Stars
Dutch Team wins first international game
The Dutch National Softball Team on Friday-evening shutout the national team of Great Britain 14-0 in Haarlem to win its first international game of the 2009 season. Both teams will meet again on Sunday-morning in Santpoort when the Holland Tour continues. Later in the day, the Dutch will meet the Foreign All Star Team for the ninth and final time during the series.
Recap, Box Score game vs. Great Britain
Dutch Team outscores American squad
The Dutch National Softball Team on Wednesday added two victories to its Holland Tour-record by winning 8-1 and 7-0 vs. Kansas Express USA in a double-header played in Oldenzaal. The Holland Tour will continue next Friday, when the Dutch squad will play its first international game of the season, meeting the national team of Great Britain in Haarlem.
Recaps, Box Scores games vs. Kansas Express USA
Dutch Team becomes ambassador Right To Play
On Monday, the Dutch National Softball Team met representatives of Right To Play in Leiden and became the latest ambasssador of the foundation, joining a long list of other international athletes. In the afternoon, the Dutch players instructed employees of ASICS, who participated in a sports activities day of the company.
Coverage of today's activities
Dutch split after youth clinic
The Dutch National Softball Team conducted a successful youth clinic on Sunday, then played two games in the Holland Tour against the Foreign All Star Team, splitting the double-header. The Dutch won the opener 8-1, then were shutout 3-0 in the next game. The Holland Tour continues next Wednesday when the Dutch Team will play two games against Kansas Express in Oldenzaal.
Recaps, Box Scores games vs. Foreign All Stars
Dutch Team recovers after loss
The Dutch National Softball Team on Wednesday first was handed its third loss in a row by the Foreign All Star Team, 12-2, but then recovered and won convincingly 7-2 to end the 3-game losing streak. The two teams will meet each other again coming weekend in a double-header, when the Holland Tour continues on Sunday-afternoon in Haarlem.
Recaps, Box Scores games vs. Foreign All Stars
First losses for Dutch Team
The Dutch National Softball Team suffered its first losses of the 2009 season, as it was beaten by the Foreign All Star Team on Sunday, 5-2 and 9-8, ending an 18-game winning streak. The second loss came in the first tie-break inning of the year. The Holland Tour continues next Wednesday with another double-header against the Foreign All Stars in Nieuwegein.
Recaps, Box Scores games vs. Foreign All Stars
Two more shutout-victories
Three days after registering two shutouts on a hot day, the Dutch National Softball Team added two shutout-wins on a very cold Wednesday-evening with everyone wearing additional clothing to stay warm, but the Dutch won 4-0 and 15-0 vs. the Dutch Junior Team. The Holland Tour continues next Sunday with a double-header against the Foreign All Stars in Enschede.
Recaps, Box Scores games vs. Dutch Juniors
Double shutout for Dutch Team
On Sunday, the Dutch National Softball Team registered two shutouts, beating Dutch big league-team Robur '58 7-0 and 11-0 to remain unbeaten in the Holland Tour. The series of games continues next Wednesday with the final double-header against the Dutch Juniors. Next Sunday, the Dutch Team travels to Enschede to meet the Foreign All Stars again.
Recaps, Box Scores games vs. Robur '58
Final Roster named
On Thursday, May 28, the final roster for the Dutch National Sofball Team was officially announced to the media. The players were informed on Wednesday-afternoon after completion of the double-header against the Foreign All Star Team. In the evening, their respective clubs and coaches were informed of the roster-naming.
Go here for the naming of the roster
Dutch Team takes two from Foreign All Stars
The Dutch National Softball Team on Wednesday, May 27, again won twice, this time beating the Foreign All Star Team, 4-3 and 10-0. The two teams will meet each other nine more times. The Holland Tour continues next Sunday in Apeldoorn where the national squad will meet Dutch big league-team Robur '58 in a double-header.
Recaps, Box Scores games vs. Foreign All Stars
Two milestones for Dutch Team
The Dutch National Softball Team extended its winning streak in the Holland Tour two twelve games, winning 4-2 and 8-2 vs. Dutch big league-team Twins, but also reached two milestones, as the 100th basehit and 100th run were registered. The next games are scheduled for Wednesday-afternoon when the team meets the Foreign All Stars.
Recaps, Box Scores games vs. Twins
Dutch squad no-hits Juniors
The Dutch National Softball Team registered its ninth and tenth victory during the Holland Tour, winning 6-0 and 7-1 vs. the Dutch Junior Team, which was no-hit in the opener. The series continues next Sunday-afternoon with a double-header in Oosterhout when the national squad faces big league-team Twins.
Recaps, Box Scores games vs. Dutch Juniors
Another productive afternoon
The Dutch National Softball Team had another productive afternoon on Sunday, May 17 when it won 2-0 and 16-1 against Dutch big league-team Gryphons to raise its Holland Tour-record to 8-0. The Holland Tour continues next Wednesday when two games will be played against the National Junior Team in Nieuwegein.
Recaps, Box Scores games vs. Gryphons
Practice & Photos
On Wednesday, May 13, the Dutch National Softball Team conducted a practice session at Nieuwegein, while it also was photo day. The Holland Tour continues next Sunday with two games at Rosmalen, where the national squad will meet big league-team Gryphons.
A lookback to the practice and photo session
Lot of action in De Bilt
On Sunday, May 10, the Dutch National Softball Team scored 24 runs on 21 basehits in its double-header against Centrals, one of the teams in the Dutch Major League, to give the team two victories and improve the Holland Tour-record to 6-0.
Recaps, Box Scores games vs. Centrals
A day at the beach
After having played four games in the Holland Tour, the Dutch National Softball Team spend a day at the beach on May 8 to conclude another intensive week. At the beach near IJmuiden, the team held a teambuilding practice.
A lookback to the day at the beach
Dutch Team adds two victories
The Dutch National Softball Team added two victories on Wednesday-evening, May 6, playing against the Dutch Junior Team, scoring 19 runs. The next games are scheduled to be played next Sunday in De Bilt, where the team faces big league-team Centrals.
Recaps, Box Scores games vs. Dutch Juniors
Dutch open Holland Tour with two wins
The Dutch National Softball Team opened the 2009 30-game Holland Tour on Sunday, May 3 with two victories against Euro Stars, one of the eight teams in the Dutch Major League. The next games are scheduled to be played on Wednesday, May 6 at Nieuwegein.
Recaps, Box Scores games vs. Euro Stars
Schedule European Championships
The official game schedule for the 16th European Championships has been announced. This years event will be organized in Valencia (Spain) and also serves as Qualification Tournament for the 2010 ISF World Championships, to be held in Oklahoma City (USA).
Complete Schedule European Championships
Dutch Team ready to play ball!
On Wednesday, April 29, the Dutch National Softball Team played its last intersquad games and now will focus its attention to real games, as the Holland Tour 2009 will get underway next Sunday, May 3 at Capelle a/d IJssel where the team will play its first of more than 30 scheduled games, before participating in three international events in July.
Coverage of third day of intersquad games
Second round of intersquad games
On another beautiful and attractive day, the Dutch National Softball Team played more intersquad games on Wednesday, April 22. The games are part of the team's preparations for the Holland Tour in which 32 games are scheduled and opens on May 3.
Coverage of second day of intersquad games
First intersquad games played
The Dutch National Softball Team played its first intersquad games on a beautiful and sunny April 15 to prepare for the Holland Tour, which opens on May 3. In the coming weeks, the team will play more intersquad games on Wednesday-afternoon.
Coverage of first intersquad games
Visit to Japanese School of Amsterdam
Dutch National Team Head Coach Craig Montvidas and players Saskia Kosterink and Rebecca Soumeru visited the Japanese School of Amsterdam on April 8 to participate in a softball instruction session together with Taeko Utsugi, former manager of the National Japan Softball Team.
Go here for the complete story
National Team players in action
21 players currently on the preliminary roster of the Dutch National Softball Team participated in the weekend of April 3-5 with their clubteam in two international tournaments in Enschede and Haarlem. Nathalie Gosewehr was the Batting Champion of the event in Enschede.
Go here for the complete story
Player/Staff-pages added
The site has undergone a major update, as the biographical pages of all players and staffmembers currently on the roster for the 2009 Dutch National Women Softball Team have been uploaded and are now available. In the coming days and weeks, there will be more updates to this site and later in the year, there will be Dutch-language pages during the international tournaments.
Go here to find your way to the player/staff-pages
Former top pitcher Nancy Evans named Assistant Coach
Former top pitcher Nancy Evans has been named Assistant Coach for the Dutch National Softball Team, the Royal Dutch Baseball and Softball Association (KNBSB) announced on Thursday. Nancy Evans, who specializes in pitching, will assist Craig Montvidas, who was named Head Coach of the national squad in December.
Read the complete story
Team finishes indoor practice-sessions
The Dutch National Softball Team closed its winter indoor practice sessions on Sunday, March 1 at Nieuwegein. In March, the team will continue with its strength and conditioning program, then start the outdoor practice sessions on April 1.
Read more about the last indoor sessions
Breaking News: Haarlem Softball Week CANCELED!
The Organizing Committee of the 11th The Haarlem Softball Week had to announce, with great regrets, on Februay 19, that the event had to be canceled. While the tournament is financially sound, several teams had to inform the organisation that they were unable to participate in the event, which was to take place in June.
Read more about the cancelation of the Haarlem Softball Week
Website European Championships launched
On Friday, February 13, the Organizing Committee of the European Championships opened its official website. The 16th European Championships will be held this year in Valencia (Spain) from July 27-August 1 and also is a qualification tournament for next years World Championships in the USA.
Read more about the launching of the EC-site
Special Guests at Practice Sessions
The Dutch National Softball Team continues its schedule of three practices a week to prepare for the international season. During the practices on February 10 and 11, some special guests came to Utrecht and Amsterdam to participate in the indoor-sessions.
Read more about the recent practice sessions and its guests
André van Overbeek elected ESF-President
André van Overbeek has been elected President of the European Softball Federation on February 7. Van Overbeek is a member of the Board of the Dutch Federation since September 2004, overseeing the top-softball-section. Van Overbeek succeeds Mike Jennings of Great Britain, who led the European governing body since 2003.
Read more about the election of André van Overbeek
Practices underway / Holland Tour Schedule
On January 13, the Dutch National Softball Team started its series of indoor practices, with sessions scheduled for Tuesdays (at Utrecht), Wednesdays (Amsterdam) and Sundays (Enschede/Nieuwegein). In the meantime, a tentative schedule has been released for the Holland Tour 2009 in which the national squad has at least 15 games scheduled before its international season starts.
Read more about the practices and the Holland Tour
Supporting Staff named
Head Coach Craig Montvidas has announced his supporting staff, as a Business Manager, a Team Manager and two Physical Therapists were named recently. Amongst them is Paul Boonstra, who returns to the National Team after an one-and-a-half-year absence as its Team Manager. An Assistant Coach will be named at a later date.
Read more about the naming of the supporting staff
Saskia & Nathalie off to the United States
Dutch National Team players Saskia Kosterink and Nathalie Timmermans both are currently in the USA. Saskia flew to Florida on Friday to attend an ISF-workshop the coming days, concerning the Athlete Ambassadors-program, while Nathalie on Saturday traveled to Illinois, where she will play this Spring.
Read more about Saskia's and Nathalie's trips
Dutch winner in ISF Photo Contest
A photo of Dutch outfielder Saskia Kosterink trying to catch a ball during the Olympic Games in Beijing, made by Karin Tuk and Marian van Deursen, has been named the Overall Grand Champion winner in the International BackSoftball photo contest, which was organized by the International Softball Federation.
Read more of the winning photo
Craig Montvidas named new Head Coach
Veteran coach Craig Montvidas has been named the new head coach of the Dutch National Women Softball Team, the Dutch Federation KNBSB announced. Montvidas, who already managed the national squad in the nineties, was the head coach of Great Britain until last year and also has led the Greek national team.
Read the complete announcement
28 Players invited for practice
28 players, including nine Olympians, have been invited for a meeting and first practices of the Dutch National Women Softball Team. The team will start its preparations for the international season on January 13, 2009.
Read the complete announcement
Saskia Kosterink named ISF Athlete Ambassador
Dutch national team player Saskia Kosterink is one of 12 international players who have been elected to be an Athlete Ambassador. This program supports the BackSoftball-campaign of the ISF for reinstatement of softball on the Olympic calender and bring it back to the Olympic Games of 2016.
Read more of Saskia's election
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...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.
Therefore, there was a lot of disappointment when the results didn't came and only one game was won in China.
But no one can deny that everyone involved had put almost everything aside in the previous months (just as all Olympic athletes) to prepare for the realisation of a dream: playing on the Olympic Games.
No one can also deny that the Dutch team belonged to the top-8 of the world in Beijing.
As you probably know, you can find the complete coverage of the Olympic Year on this website.
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 for the Olympic Games of 2016.
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 twelve players which were chosen for this unique position is Dutch national team-player Saskia Kosterink.
In December 2008, a new Head Coach was named to lead the Dutch National Women Softball Team the next four years.
Under the leadership of Craig Montvidas, the Royal Dutch Baseball and Softball Association (KNBSB) enters a new chapter in the rich history of Dutch softball, which started 65 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.
In 2009, the national team will continue to set its mark in the sport and set an important goal: recapturing the European title.
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 in the Olympic year.
The site has proven to be a great success and continues its coverage in 2009.
In 2008, the site was only available in the English language, but this year, tournament coverage also will be done in the Dutch language.
2009 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 we can look back to an Olympic year, but also can look ahead to new goals!
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 (please visit their sites) and we hope you will enjoy this site and of course, you can always contact us.
Players & Staff Netherlands Women Softball Team
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