GEORGETOWN TOWNSHIP, Mich. — "Flexibility" was a word that Jenison seniors Livia Bisonet and Mia Van der Heide used to describe their experience competing at The Cup in The Netherlands.
"We were very young compared to some of the Dutch teams, and the teams they're like 30, and holding their kids when we walked in," said Van der Heide. Her and Bisonet said they had to adapt and get used to different playing styles, rules, and being in a different part of the world.
They were selected to play on a team made up of West Michigan high school athletes, for one of the world's most high-level indoor softball tournaments.
"There are 50-minute games you play on a wood floor, like a gym floor pretty much, and it's a lot faster to play with eight players instead of nine," said Bisonet.
The two explained how indoor softball is a different challenge, with there being no home-runs, and additional rules such as being out if they hit the ceiling twice when batting, along with the bases also being seven feet closer than what they are used to.
Bisonet explained that before the trip started members of their team, Pride, were able to meet and practice, allowing them to get to know each other.
"We also were just able to relax and trust each other, and not be worried about playing with strangers," Van der Heide added.
Facing off against teams from across Europe, they went against players oftentimes several years older, but that challenge led them to one of their favorite moments.
"When we played one of the Dutch teams, we ended up tying 0-0 with them. It was a really fun game, just to be so close," said Van der Heide.
Bisonet added, "that team was probably one of the best teams, they got third place, but like they had adults on the team that are ranked in their nation, so like being able to play against them...we felt good."
They were eliminated in the tournament but they said the experience, and their sport, is more than just a game.
"I never thought I'd ever go to Paris, like it was like a dream come true," said Bisonet. They were able to travel around The Netherlands, exploring cities such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam, along with traveling to Belgium, and seeing sites in Paris.
Without softball, they both said they wouldn't have been able to see a different part of the world, and wouldn't have made the friendships they have.
"Without softball, we wouldn't have been able to go on that trip in the first place. We wouldn't have ever met each other," said Van der Heide.
"It creates friendships, it builds confidence and patience especially depending on your team, but overall, it's just a good experience," added Bisonet.
Now, they both are focusing on finishing their senior years strong.
Bisonet says she will be attending Grand Canyon University to study special education, with Van der Heide planning to continue playing softball at Hope College and pursue nursing, as they both plan to carry on the lessons they have learned.
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