Naples’ Madisun Myers slides safely into home during a close play as Vicenza catcher Katherine Green tries to prevent the run. The Cougars went on to win both games of the girls’ softball opening season double-header in Naples. (Alison Bath/Stars and Stripes)

NAPLES, Italy – Saturday’s DODEA-Europe girls softball opener was a bit of a slow burn as traditional powerhouse Naples fought to find its footing against Vicenza in a doubleheader that included quite a jolt for both teams.

A 3.9 magnitude earthquake briefly interrupted play in the third inning of Game 2 as the Wildcats attempted a comeback against the Cougars after a stunning 15-0 defeat in the opener.

No one was injured and there was no apparent damage at Naval Support Activity Naples’ Carney Park in the 1:32 p.m. tremor that rattled street signs and lampposts and briefly stunned players and spectators.

Minutes later, play resumed with the Cougars holding Naples to five runs in the first inning to win, 6-5.

A bit of overconfidence after Game 1 and some errors in the first inning of Game 2 led to the close score, said Vicenza junior pitcher Rielyn Casper. But overall, the team did well, she said.

“As a team, we are pretty solid,” said Casper, who believes the Cougars have a good chance of making it to the final day of the season-ending championships this year.

Coach Osvaldo Garcia Carrillo attributed the team’s wins to a good slate of returning players, and a dedicated coaching staff of five. That combination along with eager new recruits, six of whom have not previously played, is helping the Cougars build on the fundamentals needed for a winning season, he said.

“There’s a long process to a European tournament and we need to start (on) the right foot,” Garcia Carrillo said.

But Saturday’s losses did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the Wildcats, who have held the Division II/III DODEA European softball championship title for the last three years.

Longtime coach Amy Driscoll stepped back this year from coaching duties but remains on the Naples Middle High School staff.

“We’re excited to see where it goes from here,” Naples catcher Emily Anderson said. “We’re going to improve throughout the season.”

Anna Gose pitches in the first inning of Saturday's girls' softball season opener against Naples. Gose, a junior, pitched the first inning before being taken out during the second after aggravating an old shoulder injury. (Alison Bath/Stars and Stripes)

Vicenza’s Megan Becker runs for home during Saturday’s girls’ softball season opener against Naples. The Cougars won both games of the doubleheader, 15-0 and 6-5, respectively. (Alison Bath/Stars and Stripes)

Saturday’s girls’ softball season openers saw Vicenza win the doubleheader, 15-0 and 6-5, respectively. Wildcats pitcher Savannah Ingram pitched both games, taking over for Anna Gose in the second inning of the first game. (Alison Bath/Stars and Stripes)

Rielynn Casper pitches for Vicenza during Saturday's girls' softball season opener against Naples. Vicenza won both games, 15-0 and 6-5, respectively, at the double-header at Naval Support Site Naples' Carney Park. (Alison Bath/Stars and Stripes)

Vicenza's Adysen Johnston connects with the ball during the first game of Saturday's girls' softball season opener against the Naples Wildcats. (Alison Bath/Stars and Stripes)

Game 1 saw Vicenza take an early lead in the first inning, but the Cougars were able to break open the game in the second, taking a 12-0 lead after Naples’ pitcher Anna Gose struggled with an aggravated shoulder injury.

Freshman Savannah Ingram came in to relieve Gose. Vicenza scored three more times in the third inning, bringing the score to 15-0. The game was then called due to mercy rule run differential in the fourth.

The game was a significant learning experience for a team that struggled with fielding and maintaining focus, according to Wildcats coach Kennedy Rascoe.

“Once we get our energy up and we remember that we are out here to have fun, we are going to do just fine,” said Rascoe, noting this year’s team mostly is comprised of new players, many with limited or no experience.

Game 1 was “rough,” but the season is early, Anderson said. She pointed to a strong performance by Ingram and team solidarity on Saturday as some of the reasons the Wildcats will improve as the season progresses.

“Once we get those bats live, we are going to be a force to reckon with,” Anderson said.