The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB Softball Players Relish International Opportunity
8/2/2017 3:22:00 PM | Softball
Current UAB softball player Claire Blount and in-coming freshman Rachel Owens both represented UAB at the 2017 Junior Softball World Championships held in Clearwater, Fla.
Blount played for Team Ireland while Owens played for Team Mexico.
It was Blount's first time playing on the international circuit but said all of the girls on the team made her feel right at home.
"It was an honor to play for Ireland," Blount said. "It was my first time playing international and it was a blessing. To see all the different teams represent their country with such honor, I'm very glad I got this opportunity."
Blount made the most of her international debut going 9-for-12 with six runs, four RBI and a home run. Team Ireland secured its first-ever international win by beating Korea 4-1.
Ireland ended the tournament with a record of 3-5 and finished 18th out of 26 teams.
Owens said she loved the opportunity to represent her families' heritage as a member of Team Mexico.
"I wouldn't have traded it for the world," Owens said. "I am truly blessed to be able to play the sport of softball. It has allowed me to accomplish so many things throughout my life and I know there are many more great opportunities ahead."
Owens had 12 at-bats for Mexico in the tournament and scored a run in Mexico's win over the Philippines. Mexico went 6-2 in tournament play finishing ninth out of 26 teams.
Blount played for Team Ireland while Owens played for Team Mexico.
It was Blount's first time playing on the international circuit but said all of the girls on the team made her feel right at home.
"It was an honor to play for Ireland," Blount said. "It was my first time playing international and it was a blessing. To see all the different teams represent their country with such honor, I'm very glad I got this opportunity."
Blount made the most of her international debut going 9-for-12 with six runs, four RBI and a home run. Team Ireland secured its first-ever international win by beating Korea 4-1.
Ireland ended the tournament with a record of 3-5 and finished 18th out of 26 teams.
Owens said she loved the opportunity to represent her families' heritage as a member of Team Mexico.
"I wouldn't have traded it for the world," Owens said. "I am truly blessed to be able to play the sport of softball. It has allowed me to accomplish so many things throughout my life and I know there are many more great opportunities ahead."
Owens had 12 at-bats for Mexico in the tournament and scored a run in Mexico's win over the Philippines. Mexico went 6-2 in tournament play finishing ninth out of 26 teams.
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