From the 20th until the 25th of August, three different European Cups have been played. After five days full of softball in Forli, La Loggia (Italy) and Capelle a.d. IJssel (the Netherlands), the winners of the Women's European Cups are here. 

Women's European Premiere Cup
At the Women's Premiere Cup, all the teams play each other. After a total of 36 games were played in the round robin, the top four of this edition was decided. Zraloci Ledenice (CZE), Forli, Bussolengo (ITA) and Olympia Haarlem (NED) were going to play for the title of the Club European Champion 2018. The first game of the top four was being played between Olympia Haarlem and Zraloci Ledenice. After an eight inning (tie break) game, it was Zraloci Ledenice who took the win and advanced to the top three. On the same evening, Bussolengo’s win against Forli with 11:1 made sure they already reserved their spot in the final. The next day, Zraloci’s win over Forli gave them a spot in the final as well.
Until the 6th inning of the final, it was not clear who would take home the gold medal. With a 0:0 score until the bottom 6 inning, it was Bussolengo who got through and scored three runs. Zraloci wasn’t able to score anymore, which meant that Bussolengo took home the title of Club European Champion 2018 with a 3:0 victory.
Find the final standings of the tournament here.

Women's European Cup Winners Cup
The round robin games of this tournament were being played during the first three days. The 12 participating teams were divided into two pools, where from day four the top three of each pool advanced to the winners pool (top six). Sparks Haarlem and Bollate Tecnovap Innovi both advanced to the winners pool, until then undefeated. Together with Joudrs Praha (CZE), Wesseling Vermins (GER), Atletico San Sebastian (ESP) and Royal Greys (BEL) they formed the top six. Ending up fifth and sixth, Royal Greys and Atletico where the first ones to be eliminated from taking the title. The game for a spot straight into the final was being played between Sparks and Bollate. After an amazing nine innings game, Bollate took the first spot in the final by winning with 1:0. This meant that Sparks had to win the semi-final against Joudrs and they did. With a 4:1 score, Joudrs ended up with the bronze medal and Sparks advanced to the finals.
The final was everything you expect a final to be. The expectations were already high because of the nine innings game earlier that week. Up until the sixth inning, no runs were allowed and the score stayed 0:0. Although Sparks pitcher Jolene Henderson allowed only two runs in the game, Bollate was able to take the lead with 1:0 in the bottom 6th inning. Pitcher for Bollate, Greta Cecchetti didn't allow any hit in the seventh inning, which meant that they won the game and took home the gold medal. 
Find the final standings of the tournament here.

Women’s European Cup
Just as the Winner's Cup, the round-robin games were played in the first three days, in two different pools. From there, the top three of both pools advanced to the winner’s pool (top six). After Amagar Vikings (DEN) and The Mix (GBR) were eliminated, the top four of the tournament consisted of Witches Linz (AUT), Trnava Panthers, ISA (NZL) and Princ Zagreb (CRO). With the least lost matches in the whole tournament (only one), ISA earned their spot straight into the final by winning the first game of the top four group against Panthers. However, Panthers still had a chance to get into the final. The only thing they had to do was winning against Witches Linz in the semi-final. It was an exciting game where they were behind for some time, but in the fourth inning they got to score two runs and eventually won the game with 1:2.
When preparing for the final, it was not clear who would take home the medal since they got both got one win and one loss against each other. The ISA girls had a good offense and were able to produce five runs. However, the Slovakian girls didn't really seem to get a good grip in New-Zealand pitcher Sammi Parks. She allowed only one run in the last inning but unfortunately it was not enough for them. ISA took home the title with a 5:1 win.
By becoming second at this tournament, Trnava Panthers made sure of their spot for the European Premiere Cup next year.
Find the final standing of the tournament here.

- Romy Marinus -