Golden Bears and USA Team Undefeated in Italy
Golden Bears and USA Team Undefeated in Italy
AREZZO, Italy - WVU Tech's head softball coach Amber Affholter and players Megan Blythe, Lexi Huck, Samantha Sirles and Breigh Renner and the USA Athletes International (USAAI) softball team went undefeated, 5-0, while in Italy during the 2015 Tuscany Series Softball Tournament.
"My team was truly solid all the way around during the tournament including when we faced Holland, who ended up being our toughest competition," boasts Affholter.
The tournament, located in Arezzo, Italy, was held July 29 — August 2 where in five games the USAAI team scored 38 runs while only allowing three scores. During the tournament, USAAI competed against Holland, two teams based out of Italy and two American teams, defeating the other USAAI squad in the championship game, 8-1.
In the importance of Tech players competing abroad, Affholter said, "It showed them appreciation for the game and the way the game is played differently in the states. It was an eye-opener for them in regards to cultural and language differences."
The team, coached by Affholter, was represented by players from WVU Tech, Wheaton College, Culver University, Bethany College and St. Cloud University (Minnesota).
"Our teammates were amazing and we all bonded so well," states Sirles. "We seriously didn't want to leave each other after the trip!"
On top of the victorious four-day tournament, the Golden Bears had the chance to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Colosseum, the Vatican and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
"This was a once-in-a-life time experience. I was glad to experience other cultures and see another country and how other people lived. I enjoyed it more than ever. I got the privilege to meet some great ball players and people," says Huck.
The Gold and Blue finished their 2015 campaign 14-22 on a two-game win streak and look to take the momentum from Italy and build this season.
"Going on this trip has made me even more excited for my senior and final year of competitive softball," claims Renner. "I can't wait for the season to start and I know at least three other girls who are just as excited and will work just as hard."
Tech's first game this spring will be February 20 when they travel to Lawrenceville, Georgia to face Georgia Gwinnett College.