June 12, 2007

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State sophomore Bianca Mejia will join the USA Junior Women's National Softball Team at the ISF Junior Women's Fast Pitch World Championships, June 20-30 in Enschede, Netherlands. Mejia played a critical role in the USA victory at the 2006 Junior Women's Pan American Championships held in Maunabo, Puerto Rico last November, contributing a team-high 15 hits. The United States (10-0) clinched the top advancing spot from the Pan American Region as the only undefeated team in tournament play. Also competing at the ISF Championships is incoming freshman Heidi Purtzer, who will compete with the Canadian Junior Women's National Team at the event.

Mejia will join teammates for a full week of practice in Florida before traveling to the Netherlands to open tournament play against Puerto Rico on June 22 at 9 a.m. (Time local to site)

The U.S. was impressive offensively during last November's Pan American Championships, collecting 127 hits in 46 innings for a .529 batting average. Maggie Viefhaus was the offensive team leader with a .750 batting average, 12 hits, 10 runs scored, and 11 RBI, while Mejia and Ashley Hansen tied for a team-high 15 hits.

Visit msuspartans.com for updates on Team USA and Team Canada.

USA Softball Junior Women's National Team Site: www.usasoftball.com
Canada Softball Site: www.softball.ca