The Team Italy debut at the Utsugi Cup was baptism by fire against USA, recent winner of the Pan American U15 Championship in Lima, Peru. Giulia Squalizza took the mound and surrendered three runs early to the strong American offense. Alida Campioni singled and stole second but was left stranded on the bases in the first inning. Giulia Squalizza regained her composure and tossed two scoreless innings. The Team Italy offense came to life in the fourth inning when runners were on the corners with one out, but USA denied the Italians again when the American defense kept the Azzurrine off the board. Reliever Rebecca Soldi replaced Giulia Squalizza and looked sharp, striking out two. In the end, however, USA prevailed in the 3-0 shutout.
Team Italy returned later for a clash against China. U15 manager Maristella Perizzolo called on starter Federica Forlani, who pitched a complete game. The Italian defense fell short as the Chinese took a 4-0 lead after two innings. China pitcher Yu Yan threw over 60 miles per hour and limited the Italians to just one hit. The Chinese added one run in the fifth inning to nail down the 5-0 shutout.
In the nightcap, USA defeated China 10-0 and earned the right to play host Japan in the 2023 U-15 Utsugi Cup Championship tomorrow. Mexico and China will play for third place honors, while Team Italy and Tanzania battle for fifth place. Forza #Italia!
by Roberto Angotti
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(Photo of the Team Italy U15 softball squad at the Utsugi Cup by FIBS)
