Lisa Schölin of the KIF Eagles dives for the ball at runner Emma Sahlin's feet during a game at this year's SIM Cup. (Photo by Peter Blomqvist)

SEASON UNDERWAY IN SWEDEN … INDOORS!
2008-03-31

One of the main benefits of arena (indoor) softball is it allows participation in the sport when the weather isn’t conducive to the traditional version of the game. No better example of that is in Sweden where for 17 years now they have begun softball season by playing an annual tournament indoors as part of the build-up to the competition that will take place on the dirt infields throughout the country.

It’s only the end of March, but already – at the beginning of this month actually – the Swedish Indoor Masters has been completed. Six women’s fastpitch (adult) club teams gathered in Enköping to play for three days for the SIM Cup.

As was the case in 2007, the tournament winners were the Skövde Saints. Anchored by tournament MVP Nina Sarajärvi's pitching the Saints fought back the other five teams, including a 4-0 win in the final over the Sundsvall Mosquitoes. The tournament saw a lot of tight games, with only two of 20 games settled with the run-ahead rule.

Sundsvall’s Elsa Sjögren was voted Best Pitcher of the tournament, while Ulrika Fräsén of Söder Black and Blue was voted Best Batter.

Earlier this year a big indoor softball event had taken place in the Netherlands. The outdoor season in Sweden will begin in early May.

For more on arena softball, click here.