Kolander Set To Represent Greece in European Softball Championship Tournament
7/21/2022 10:15:00 AM | Softball
RIVERSIDE – California Baptist University softball senior Molly Kolander is heading to Sant Boi, Spain, to participate in the upcoming European Softball Championship Tournament as a member of the Greece National Team.
The tournament will run from July 24-30, hosting 21 European squads. The Hellas are included in Group A alongside Italy, Poland, Croatia, and Belgium and is scheduled to begin pool play with a doubleheader on opening day against Belgium and Croatia.
Kolander is a born-and-raised Californian, but has dual-citizenship through a maternal family tree that hails from Nafplion, qualifying Molly to compete with the Hellas. Molly went through a tryout program for the squad and accepted an invitation to join the squad in December 2021. Molly and the Hellas will train in Olympia, Greece, ahead of the start of the tournament.🇬🇷Player Profile for the European Championships 🇬🇷 our next athlete is Molly Kolander. This will be Molly's 1st year competing with the Greek National Team. Kolander is an utility player from Danville, CA. She currently plays for California Baptist University . pic.twitter.com/Qxrs8S6ynP
— Hellas Softball 🇬🇷 (@greeknationalSB) June 27, 2022
"This is something I will remember forever, as I will play for something so much bigger than myself. As a player, I know this will stretch me and challenge me to play in an environment I have never experienced before," Kolander said. "As a person, it means so much to me to be able to play in honor of my family. I get a chance to make my family proud and to represent a great country. With the whole team being Greek, it will brings us together as we relate to so many family traditions."
Molly has spent four years roaming the outfield of John C. Funk Stadium, making 65 starts while accumulating a .291 batting average with 49 runs scored, 18 runs batted in and 14 stolen bases. She plans to return as a Lancer for one more season, utilizing her COVID season waiver option to help CBU make a run in the inaugural season of postseason eligibility in 2023.
All of the tournament action is planned to be made available via live stats and an internet stream, with specific details on availability yet to be released. To check for those links or keep up with tournament news, visit the competition homepage.
