Aug. 12, 2011

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ST. LOUIS - Saint Louis head softball coach Christy Connoyer served as an assistant coach for the USA Athletes International team that won the championship of the 2011 Softball Australia International Challenge Series in Sydney. The tournament was played at the Sydney Olympic Softball Centre, site of the 2000 Olympic softball competition.

The USAAI team, which consisted of collegiate players, posted a 3-1 record in pool play. The Americans, seeded No. 2, defeated New South Wales Red, Queensland and New South Wales Blue before falling to the Australian U19 National Team, the No. 1 seed and third-ranked U19 team in the world. However, Team USA bounced back to defeat the Australian U19s twice in the medal round to capture the gold.

Connoyer, head coach Carol Bruggeman and the players also enjoyed several off-the-field experiences. Prior to competing, the group toured the Sydney Opera House, walked across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and hiked the Blue Mountains. Following the tournament, the team flew to Brisbane for two days of exploring the Gold Coast that included surfing, kayaking and whale watching in Byron Bay, and a trip to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for a look at kangaroos and koalas.

"The experience in Australia was incredible," Connoyer said. "We competed in a quality international softball tournament against some of the top club teams in Australia. We explored a wonderful country and met many friendly and welcoming people. It was a privilege to have been part of such an unbelievable trip.

"I am fortunate to have coached in two of the four Olympic softball venues, first in Columbus, Ga., and now Sydney," Connoyer said. "It is amazing that softball has opened so many doors for me."

Connoyer soon will begin her second campaign at Saint Louis. She became the first coach in program history to register a winning record in her first season by guiding the Billikens to a 29-24 mark, just one victory shy of tying the school record. The Bills achieved a program-best 129 RPI ranking.

The Softball Australia International Challenge Series is held every year in Sydney. It was created to give softball players an opportunity to compete in an international tournament, foster international goodwill and friendship, and promote the game of softball.