BOLLATE, Italy – Western Michigan alum Rissa Bajusz has had a strong start to her professional career after helping Italy to a gold medal at the 2025 Women's Softball European Premier Cup.

Bajusz, the 2024 MAC Pitcher of the Year, began her professional career this spring in Italy. Bajusz played the regular season with MIA Office Bologna Blue Girls of the Italian Serie A1 Softball League. The Blue Girls ended the season with a 27-12 record while Bajusz closed out the season with a 16-2 record, 1.09 ERA, and 179 strikeouts in 109 innings pitched.

"Playing in Italy was a dream come true!" says Bajusz. "Since I first picked up a softball at age 8, I had imagined becoming a professional athlete, and Italy gave me the chance to live that dream—and so much more. I was able to travel, build friendships, and experience some of the most beautiful places I've ever seen all while competing in the sport I love."

Along with adding to the stat sheet in the box during the regular season with 37 hits, 27 RBIs, and 17 runs scored, Bajusz was invited to play with the top team in the Italian Serie A1 league, MFK Bollate, for the European Cup. Running from Aug. 25 through Aug. 30, Bollate blew through the competition on their way to the gold as the host team. Bollate took down three-time defending champions Olympia Haarlem of the Netherlands on the 30^th.

Bajusz was in the circle for Bollate during two games through the tournament. The former Bronco was credited with Bollate's 6-2 win over Sparks Haarlem of the Netherlands after pitching seven innings with only one earned run. In her winning performance, Bajusz had a complete game allowing only five hits in 24 at-bats while striking out 11 batters.

Along with her win, Bajusz also started the game in Bollate's 4-3 win over Olympia Haarlem to win the tournament. In 5.1 innings of work Bajusz allowed six hits, two earned runs, and one walk while striking out four batters for an ERA of 1.70. Bajusz also played a game in the field for Bollate against Rivas Madrid following the gold medal game to determine the bronze medalist. While in right field for Bollate, Bajusz was walked in her one at bat and scored a run in the 5-1 victory.

"The people, the food, and the culture [of Italy] will always stay with me, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to grow both on and off the field. I'm excited to see where softball takes me next, whatever that journey looks like."