Monteria, Colombia – The Canadian U18 Women’s National Team wrapped up the preliminary round with a 10-2 victory against Cuba, securing their place in the Super Round with a commendable 4-1 record.  

Canada took an early lead in the second inning when Cece Brown (Maple Ridge, B.C.)  crossed the plate on a single up the middle by Katherine Thiessen (Lloydminster, Sask.). However, Cuba responded in the bottom of the second, capitalizing on a throwing error and a passed ball by Canada to score their two runs of the game.  

The bats came alive for Canada in the sixth inning. Caitlin Colley (Stouffville, Ont.) ignited the rally with a single to left field, followed by a line drive to center field by Jana Want (Stoney Creek, Ont.). Brown then delivered a single to right field, driving in Colley to tie the game. 

Canada continued their rally, scoring four more runs in the sixth inning. Tegan Harnett (Maple Ridge, B.C.) would hit a fielder’s choice to bring home Want, while Rylee Ruppel (Maple Ridge B.C.) contributed with an RBI single to score Brown. Lauren Lugtugheid (Langley, B.C.) doubled to put runners on second and third, with Thiessen walking to load the bases. Harnett then scored on a passed ball, followed by Rayelle Cooley (Oxbow, Sask.) drawing a walk to reload the bases. Taitumn Reynen (Langford, B.C.) would flyout to left field, scoring Lugtugheid for Canada’s final run of the inning.  

In the seventh inning, Canada added to their lead with Want drawing a walk and Brown delivering a single to advance Want to third. Ruppel drove in both runners with a single and advanced to second on a throwing error. Lugtugheid bunted for a hit, followed by Ruppel scoring on a passed ball. Thiessen then brought in Lugtugheid with a single to right field, scoring the final run for Canada.  

Box Score: 10 Canada vs. 2 Cuba 

Emma Frisky (Martensville, Sask.) started in the circle for Canada, pitching four innings and allowing three hits and two runs, while striking out five batters. Rylee Ruppel came in relief in the fifth inning, completing the game with three strikeouts and allowing only one hit.  

With Puerto Rico finishing first in Group B and Canada securing second place, the outcome of the Venezuela vs. Brazil game will determine the final team to proceed to the Super Round in Group B. In Group A, Mexico finished first, followed by Colombia and Peru, with their game later today determining their final standings.