Monteria, Colombia- In a hard-fought match, Canada suffered a 3-1 defeat against Puerto Rico in their second game of the 2024 U18 Women’s Pan American Championship on Sunday. The game began as a pitchers’ duel, remaining scoreless until the fifth inning when Puerto Rico managed to break through with two runs. Despite a late rally in the seventh inning, Canada couldn’t muster enough hits to stage a comeback.
Canada made an early attempt to take the lead in the bottom of the third inning, as Madeline Hallman (St. George Ont.) reached first after being hit by a pitch, followed by a single up the middle by Danika Nell (Boissevain, Man.). With one out, Caitlin Colley (Stouffville, Ont.) singled to center field, but Hallman was thrown out at home plate while attempting to advance.
In the fifth inning, Canada made a pitching change with Emma Frisky (Martensville, Sask.) entering as middle relief for Nell. However, Puerto Rico took advantage of the change, scoring two runs with a couple of doubles. Rylee Rupple (Maple Ridge B.C.) entered the circle for Canada and managed to strike out the final batter, limiting the damage.
Canada showed signs of promise in the bottom of the sixth inning, with Jana Want (Stoney Creek Ont.) leading off with a single to right field, followed by another single up the middle by Tegan Harnett (Maple Ridge B.C.). Although Alexia Chevrier (Saint-Lazare Que.) advanced the runners to scoring position, Canada was unable to capitalize on the opportunity.
Puerto Rico extended their lead in the top of the seventh inning with a single to center field, followed by another single to right field, bringing in a runner. In the bottom of the seventh, Canada initiated a promising rally with a leadoff single by Katherine Thiessen (Lloydminster Sask.). Cece Brown (Maple Ridge B.C.) was sent in to pinch-hit and delivered a shot to center field for a double, scoring Canada’s first run of the game. However, Canada couldn’t generate further hits to continue the rally, resulting in a 3-1 loss.
Box Score: Puerto Rico 3 vs. Canada 1
Nell started the game for Canada, pitching four scoreless innings with four strikeouts and allowing only one hit. Frisky relieved Nell, allowing two runs off three hits in 0.2 innings pitched. Rupple entered in relief, allowing one run off three hits, and striking out three batters in 2.1 innings.
Canada (1-1) will aim to bounce back in their next game against Venezuela (2-0) tomorrow at 8:00 PM local time (9:00 PM EST). In other matches played on Sunday, Venezuela defeated the U.S. Virgin Islands 14-0, while Mexico beat Argentine 8-0.
