Monteria, Colombia – The Canadian U18 Women’s National Team took home the silver medal at the 2024 U18 Women’s Pan American Championship, falling to Puerto Rico 2-1 in a hard-fought extra inning battle. Despite the loss, the U18 Women’s National Team has earned a spot for the 2024 WBSC World Cup Group Stage and will be competing later this year.
Puerto Rico took an early lead in the second inning with a single to left field, scoring the lead runner. While Puerto Rico threatened again in the fifth inning, loading the bases, Canada’s defense held strong, escaping the inning unscathed.
In the top of the sixth, Canada gained momentum with a leadoff solo home run by Caitlin Colley (Stouffville, Ont.), tying the game. The following innings saw both teams’ defenses tighten, leading to extra innings.
As Canada entered extra innings with Tegan Harnett (Maple Ridge, B.C.) at second base and Taitumn Reynen (Langford, B.C.) leading off the inning, Reynen executed a sacrifice bunt to advance Harnett to third base. Colley would then be intentionally walked followed by Canada hitting into a double play to end their offensive opportunity.
The bottom of the eighth inning began promisingly for Canada, securing two quick outs with a pop-up bunt to Chloe Bethune (Lindell Beach, Ont.) followed by a groundball to Harnett advancing the runner to third. However, Puerto Rico sealed the victory with a walk-off single, ending the game with a final score of 2-1.
Box Score: 2 Puerto Rico vs. 1 Canada
Morgan Reimer (Langley, B.C.) pitching 4.0 innings and allowing three hits and one run, while striking out four batters. Danika Nell (Boissevain, Man.) went in relief throwing 3.2 innings, allowing three hits, one run, and striking out five batters. Caitlin Colley’s two-for-two performance, including a solo home run, accounted for Canada’s lone run of the game.
Despite the loss, Canada showcased resilience and skill throughout the Pan American Championship, securing a silver medal and a spot in the upcoming WBSC World Cup Group Stage.
