Holly Touchell (17) of Morley. WA state team and Morley Eagles softball player and La Salle College student Holly Touchell has been selected in the Australian under-19s squad to play in the International Friendship Series held from July 9 to 13 at Redlands Softball Australia.
Camera IconHolly Touchell (17) of Morley. WA state team and Morley Eagles softball player and La Salle College student Holly Touchell has been selected in the Australian under-19s squad to play in the International Friendship Series held from July 9 to 13 at Redlands Softball Australia. Credit: Supplied/David Baylis www.communitypix.com.au d483144

Softball: Morley Eagles young gun picked in national under-19 squad just 18 months after starting in the sport

Kristie LimEastern Reporter

MORLEY Eagles all-rounder Holly Touchell has scored a “surprise” selection in the national under-19s squad, just 18 months after she made the move to softball from netball.

The Morley resident (17) joins fellow WA players Brielle Karklin, Kristy Lockhard and Tamikah Turner-Hames in the 30-member squad that will play in the International Friendship Series held from July 9-13 at Redlands Softball Australia in Queensland.

Touchell represented WA at the under-19 nationals in January, following her first season with the Eagles.

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The La Salle College Year 12 student did not expect to rise up the ranks so quickly in such a short period.

“Nationals in January was where I probably hit my top part of my game,” she said.

“I think I’m probably a bit of all-rounder and I can be put anywhere on the field.”

Touchell said she was excited to play alongside her WA teammates, who made her less nervous about her international debut.

She said it was hard to balance playing elite softball, netball and studies.

“I still play netball but not as high level as I used to – I wish I could do both,” she said.

Her goal for the rest of the season was to keep improving and continue to enjoy the game.

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