Finale Ligure, Italy – April 22, 2026 – The Eagles of Riviera Aquila Baseball Softball A.S.D. Returned from Novara with a pair of losses but plenty of encouragement after facing defending Under 13 champions Porta Mortara on April 19, 2026. Despite the results, the team displayed signs of growth that caught the attention of coaches and supporters alike.
The Eagles traveled to Novara for a doubleheader against the formidable Porta Mortara squad, known for their dominance in the Under 13 softball circuit. From the first pitch, the visitors faced an uphill battle as the home team’s experienced pitchers established early control.
In the opening game, Porta Mortara jumped ahead quickly, capitalizing on early struggles by the Eagles’ pitching staff. However, Mia Nderjaku emerged as a stabilizing force behind the plate and in the lineup. The catcher and team leader provided vocal direction that kept the young squad composed during challenging moments.
Ilary Santos entered the game in relief on the mound and helped limit further damage, keeping the deficit within reachable bounds. Despite their efforts, a three-run home run by Porta Mortara in the late innings sealed a 14-8 victory for the hosts.
Offensively, Nderjaku continued to shine, recording a double and a single to finish with a .667 batting average for the game. Youness Tazrout contributed with a well-executed bunt that surprised the Novara defense, while Anna Cantero, Tazrout, and Nderjaku demonstrated aggressive base running, stealing bases with conviction.
Alessia Angelillo showed patience at the plate, drawing multiple walks, and Amelia Cani provided steady handling in her backup catching role. Daria Bulat earned praise for her reliable play at third base, fielding chances with confidence throughout the contest.
The second game, contested as part of the Friends Cup, saw Anna Cantero assigned to pitch the entire duration for the Eagles. She surrendered just seven points, a significant improvement from the first outing and a testament to her development under pressure.
Coach Sergio Formentelli used the opportunity to give extended playing time to several newcomers, prioritizing experience over immediate results. While acknowledging a likely decrease in offensive production compared to the first game, the manager emphasized the long-term value of exposing young players to high-level competition.
The Eagles’ performance reflected a team in transition, balancing the growing pains of youth development with tangible progress in key areas. Pitching consistency improved between games, defensive reliability increased, and offensive contributors began to emerge in multiple spots in the lineup.
For a squad aiming to close the gap with established powers like Porta Mortara, the April 19 outing provided measurable takeaways. The ability to compete closely in stretches, execute fundamental plays under pressure, and maintain composure despite adversity all pointed to positive trajectory.
Looking ahead, the Eagles will return to domestic league play with renewed focus on refining pitching mechanics, enhancing situational hitting, and building on the defensive fundamentals displayed in Novara. The next scheduled checkpoint for the team is a home matchup against Liguria-based rivals, tentatively set for early May 2026, pending final league calendar confirmation.
The organization encourages followers to stay updated through official channels for exact dates, times, and venue details as they become available. Supporters interested in tracking the Eagles’ progress throughout the 2026 season can access team announcements and match results via the Polisportiva del Finale’s official communications platforms.
What resonated most from the Novara weekend wasn’t the final scores, but the visible signs of a young team learning to compete at a higher level. With continued development and consistent effort, the Eagles appear to be laying the groundwork for future success in Italian youth softball.
