Team Greece Advances to Placement Round, Set to Face Switzerland

By Sophia Karavantos-Schnur 

Team Hellas continues its journey at the 2026 WBSC Europe U-22 Women's Softball European Championship today when it faces Switzerland in the placement round. After a competitive group stage that saw Team Hellas finish with a 1-1 record, Greece is now focused on winning its placement group and completing the tournament on a high note. 

Greece opened the championship with an impressive 6-4 victory over Sweden. Team Hellas produced seven hits and six runs, receiving contributions throughout the lineup. Sophie Pappas led the offense by going 2-for-4 with a home run, two RBIs and two runs scored, while Chloe Trimandilis drove in a run and crossed the plate once. Georgia Polydoros, Alessandra Iliakis, Sylvia Mudis, and Demetra Trimis each added a hit to help fuel the offense. 

The pitching duo of Kasey Xenidis and Sophia Vlahos combined to secure the victory. Xenidis earned the win after striking out six batters over four innings, while Vlahos closed the game with three scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and recording two strikeouts to earn the save. 

Greece followed its opening victory with a hard-fought game against Austria, who topped Greece by a score of 4-0, despite another solid pitching performance. Xenidis limited Austria to just three hits over five innings, allowing no earned runs while striking out two. Vlahos added two scoreless innings of relief, giving up no hits and striking out one. At the plate, Kirsten Malasky, Alessandra Iliakis, and Sofia Zepeda each collected a hit as Team Hellas drew seven walks but was unable to capitalize with runners in scoring position. 

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m Hellas responded in dominant fashion against Croatia, earning a 12-2 victory behind an explosive offensive performance. Greece scored eight runs in the second inning and finished with nine hits while taking advantage of five Croatian errors. 

Sylvia Mudis led the offense, finishing 1-for-1 with a three-run home run, three RBIs, two runs scored and two walks. Kasey Xenidis contributed at the plate with a hit, an RBI and two runs scored, while Chloe Trimandilis went 2-for-3 with an RBI. Georgia Polydoros added a hit, two RBIs and a walk, Sophie Pappas drove in a run, and Kirsten Malasky finished with two RBIs. Sophia Vlahos also recorded a hit and scored a run, while Alessandra Iliakis, Selina Psarras, and Sofia Zepeda each crossed the plate. 

In the circle, Vlahos started the game and threw two scoreless innings without allowing a hit while striking out two. Xenidis entered in relief and earned the win, allowing two runs over two innings while striking out two. 

With two victories already under its belt, Greece looks to continue its group placement round with strong play against Switzerland. Team Hellas has shown balance throughout the tournament, combining timely offense with reliable pitching and aggressive base running. 

Fans can follow the action through the official WBSC Europe schedule and streaming platforms, as well as the Hellas National Softball Team's social media as Team Greece continues its run at the U-22 European Championship.