Netherlands Finishes Fourth; Italy Hosts Memorable WBSC Women's Softball World Cup Finals

In a dramatic bronze medal game, World No. 5 Canada edged out the Netherlands, ranked No. 6, with a 7-6 victory after 11 intense innings.

The bronze medal game between Canada and the Netherlands was an 11-innings-long battle.

The Netherlands took an early lead with strategic squeeze plays and a three-run homer by Laura Wissink. Canada responded with key hits and a three-run homer by Natalie Wideman to tie the game.

The game extended into extra innings, where both teams displayed kept scoring. Ultimately, Pilgrim's grand slam ended the game, securing the bronze for Canada.

Suka Van Gurp made the All-World Team as the best second-baseman of the event.

Host nation Italy concluded their World Cup in the eighth position. The Italian team delivered strong performances but faced tough competition throughout the tournament.

Italy started strong with a 6-0 victory over China but struggled against USA (7-0 loss). A close 5-4 defeat by Canada pushed Italy to the Placement Round. Italy then faced challenging games against Puerto Rico and Australia, ultimately finishing eighth in the World Cup Finals.

Erika Piancastelli made the All-World Team as the best right outfielder while Isabella Dayton had the most runs scored of the event.

Japan won their fourth World Championship title by defeating USA 6-1 in the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup 2023/2024 final.

For all the results and more information, visit the WBSC website.

Italy and Netherlands will play for the Title of European Champion in the Women's Softball Euros in September.

Cover photo by Grega Valancic for WBSC