Surrey, BC – The Women’s National Team concluded their round robin games with a 7-0 victory against Hong Kong, China, remaining undefeated as they advance to the playoffs at the Canada Cup. 

The game started strong for Canada, with Larissa Franklin (Maple Ridge, B.C.) leading off in the first inning with a single. Erika Polidori (Brantford, Ont.) followed with a double to left field, driving in Franklin. Kianna Jones (Surrey, B.C.) then hit a single to center field, allowing Polidori to score and giving Canada a 2-0 lead going into the second inning. 

Canada continued in the second inning starting with Polidori hitting a three-run homerun over center field, bringing home Kristen Boyd (Carbon, Alta.) and Franklin. An error by Hong Kong, China allowed Canada to score another run, making it 6-0. 

The next three innings saw no additional runs for Canada until the bottom of the sixth inning when Polidori hit a solo home run to center field, sealing the game at 7-0. Polidori had an impressive game, going three for four and driving in five of Canada’s seven runs. 

On the mound, three pitchers took turns leading Canada to victory. Brook Melnychuk (Saskatoon, Sask.) started in the circle, pitching two innings and allowing just one hit. Nicola Simpson (Seattle, Wash.) took over in the third inning, pitching two innings, striking out three batters, and allowing no hits. Katie Korstrom (Abbotsford, B.C.) closed the game, pitching the final two innings, striking out two batters, and giving up one hit. 

Looking ahead to the playoffs, Canada is set to face Team Australia tonight, July 5th, at 8:30 pm PDT.