EOU's Ashleigh Byrne and Suzie Espinoza are headed to Holland this Summer.
LA GRANDE, Ore – Eastern Oregon University softball players, Ashleigh Byrne and Suzie Espinoza, will be playing in Holland this summer.
The Mountaineer pair has been invited to join U.S.A. Athletes International Inc. in their trip to The Netherlands for a softball tour. USAAI is a non-profit organization dedicated to giving amateur athletes and coaches the opportunity to participate in international Olympic-style sporting events throughout the world, while also allowing them to broaden their educational and cultural knowledge of the world through the experience.
With over 15 years experience of international sports tournament travel, the USAAI has experienced growth and built a brand to be proud of. The organization began with one baseball team and has grown to over 60 annual tours. Over 900 athletes in seven sports represent USAAI in tours around the world.
“I was surprised when I found out I got picked for this,” Espinoza said. “I just thought why was I picked? But, I was very happy to hear that my best friend (Ashleigh) was also chosen. Without her, I wouldn’t go.”
“I also thought, why were we picked,” Byrne said. “I am so excited to be going. I’m very happy that both of us are going.”
The Cascade Collegiate Conference will be well represented with the Eastern Oregon duo and a few players from Northwest Christian University and Corban University playing on the team as well.
“I’ve been to Mexico and Canada, but neither Suzie nor I have been overseas,” Byrne said. “Suzie has played softball in Canada. This will be the furthest we have ever traveled.”
Byrne and Espinoza were nominated to play on the team anonymously by a coach that has seen them play. The team will be in Holland for 10 days, but it will take the pair of Eastern players almost 24 hours of traveling to get there.
“Unfortunately our families will not be able to make the trip with us,” Espinoza said. “But they have seen a lot of softball from us. We’ve both been playing since T-Ball. I’ve played for 15 years and Ashleigh has played for 17 years. We have also played ASA since we were 10 years old.”
Espinoza was recently awarded a conference golden glove after her stellar play on first base. The sophomore made the transition from the mound to first base this season, and excelled in her new role in the infield. She appeared and started in 39 games for EOU and finished the season with a .990 fielding percentage, committing only three errors.
Byrne made an appearance in 39 games and was phenomenal in the Eastern Oregon outfield. The senior had a fielding percentage of .943 and also committed only three errors. The Mountaineers’ leadoff hitter had 25 hits in 2010, and scored 15 times.