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February 3rd, 2010

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Local softball players represent U.S. at Canada Cup

Playing on one of three American teams invited to the Canada Cup was an honor for Elliot Christian softball players Emily Buhrkuhl and Erica Musgrave.

Helping their team, the California Grapettes, place third in the tournament's International Futures 16 and under division was an impressive achievement.

Playing on fields neighboring the U.S. Olympic team and watching them win the Canada Cup was unforgettable.

"The neatest thing was that all the international teams were there," said Buhrkuhl. "I pitched one time and Jenny Finch was pitching on the field next to me. That was pretty cool."

Neither Buhrkuhl or Musgrave got to meet any of the women's national team players. Musgrave didn't leave empty handed however as she got a signed ball from Canadian player Danielle Lawrie, who also played on University of Washington team that won World Series earlier this summer.

Musgrave said she enjoyed watching U.S. shortstop Natasha Watley and learned a lot from observing her. Musgrave hopes she can some day fill her position on the U.S. squad. Both Eagles said the trip was a great experience and benefited their careers.

"It was really cool to represent our country and awesome to watch the different national teams play," Musgrave said.

Buhrkuhl was one of three pitchers that rotate from starters to relievers and chalked up a 2.10 ERA and held her opponents to a .134 batting average. Musgrave, the starting shortstop and leadoff hitter, had an on-base percentage of .526 and hit .364 in the tournament.

The Grapettes were on of three teams in either the 16U or 18U divisions playing in the Canada Cup. It is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world for fastpitch softball according to Grapette coach John Bilbao. The Grapettes went 7-3 in their 10 games.

Local softball player Erica Musgrave represents the United States at the Canada Cup. (Courtesy photo)

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Bilbao said Buhrkuhl and Musgrave are integral parts of the team's success.

"Emily and Erica are two of the best players I have had the pleasure to work with," he said. "They are great players but even better people. They care about their teammates and love the game of softball."

Bilbao says Buhrkuhl, who is entering her junior year at Elliot and joined the Grapettes last fall, is perhaps the team's most valuable pitcher for her ability to come into games in sticky situations and come out clean. Pitching in relief against the eventual champion Quebec Rebbells, she didn't give up any runs in a 3-0 loss.

"Emily fills many needs for our team, however, she is best at closing games for us," Bilbao said. "Many times Emily has come into tight games with runners on and got us out of the jam. She is unflappable on the mound and has great control of her pitches."

Buhrkuhl said she enjoyed the experience of playing in the Canada Cup and learned and got stronger as a pitcher.

On the Grapettes' season, which involves nine tournaments from May to August, Musgrave is hitting .488 and has an on-base percentage close to .600. She also leads the team in runs scored. One of her top highlights from Canada was she ripped a bases-loaded triple to break open a close game against British Columbia's Delta Fusion. Musgrave is known for getting the ball rolling on offense.

"We know that if Erica gets on base to lead off a game, our chances of winning are very, very high," Bilbao said. "Erica is a rock for us on defense, she is so smooth out in the field and covers a lot of ground."

Musgrave has played with the Grapettes for three years and is entering her sophomore year at Elliot.

The two Eagles and the rest of the Grapettes are now headed to the USA/Amateaur Softball Association of America 16 and Under Girls' A Fastpitch National Championship in South Dakota July 26-Aug. 2. The tournament is the pinnacle of the season, where 156 of the country's best teams compete for the national title.

Contact reporter Joelle Milholm at joellem@lodinews.com.