Gabby Begay and Tayla Topaha selected to America’s Team

Gabby Begay and Tayla Topaha set to play for America’s Team this summer in Sydney and Brisbane

Two Montezuma-Cortez softball players have been selected to join America’s Team on a tour of Australia this summer.

Junior Gabby Begay and senior and three-time All-Southwestern League selection Tayla Topaha were handpicked by longtime Farmington-area softball coach Darin Wright to join the squad.

Wright, who is in his second year coaching an America’s team, led a team on a tour of Italy last summer.

According to its website, America’s Team is an organization that partners with the American Council for International Studies to allow student athletes to compete and learn abroad during educational tours.

Begay and Topaha will join players from the four corners area, Denver and Chicago in an eight-game exhibition to Sydney and Brisbane from July 13-July 25.

They will play two doubleheaders at each stop, but will also have time to explore and sightsee.

Players are required to raise $6,000, and they are currently accepting donations and selling raffle tickets for a nine-millimeter handgun, 12-gauge shotgun and a black powder rifle to help fund their trip.

To make a donation or purchase raffle tickets, contact Darin Wright at 505-402-1562.