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FAIRFAX, Va. – Former George Mason University softball standout Marina Vitalich recently wrapped up an outstanding European Softball Championship, where she represented Croatia with pride, threw a no hitter and led her team to an impressive 8-1 record. 
 
In her seventh year with the Croatian National Team, Vitalich compiled a 3-1 record with a 0.84 ERA over a team-high 25 innings. She tallied team bests in wins, innings pitched and strikeouts (41) over the team's nine games in Spain while earning team MVP honors in the process. 
 
Vitalich also led the entire tournament in ERA while ranking second in strikeouts during her tremendous showing in Spain. 
 
"I think this year was the most fun I've had and the best we've ever played together as a group," Vitalich said. "Everyone on the roster played really well and we outscored our opponents, 70-5. No matter how many times I've been to the European Championships, it's just always a really neat experience to be in that environment with other people and athletes from all over the world." 
 
Vitalich's no hitter wowed the softball faithful in attendance on July 29. She struck out six and allowed just one walk during the complete game shutout, a 13-0 win for Croatia in Barcelona.  
 
In addition to that gem, Team Croatia also racked up big wins over Finland (10-0), Turkey (14-0) and Malta (15-0), among others. 
 
For Vitalich, the event has always held a special meaning in her relationship with the sport. 
 
"I started playing softball for Croatia to promote women's sports in the country but especially softball. It helped me learn about my roots and where my family came from," Vitalich said. "My Croatian teammates are some of the most selfless people I have ever met and to watch them play a sport they love while representing the country they love is always special. " 
 
Vitalich starred for George Mason over five tremendous seasons with the Green & Gold from 2016-2020. She is Mason's all-time leader in strikeouts (551), ranks third in appearances (112) and innings pitched (525.1) and is fifth in wins (42) and ERA (2.08). 
 
A native of San Pedro, Calif., Vitalich returned to her home state to earn her master's of legal studies at Loyola Marymount University. She played her COVID-19 extra year for the Lions where she earned First Team All-WCC honors in 2021. This past season, Vitalich served as a graduate assistant with the program while completing her master's.  
 
She currently works as the assistant athletic director for compliance at Pepperdine University in Malibu.  
 
Vitalich has accomplished so much in her career and her memories competing for a home country certainly hold a special place in her heart.  
 
"I have made lifelong friendships and memories with people I never would have even known if it weren't for softball bringing us together," Vitalich. "I'm really proud of how we have developed as a team and program since the first time I started competing back in 2015."