Dallas, Texas – Team Canada kicked off the 2024 WBSC U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup Group C in commanding fashion, securing a 9-0 victory over Mexico in their opening match on Thursday.
After a scoreless first inning for both teams, Canada erupted in the second inning, putting six runs on the board. Avery Tucker (Milton, Ga.) sparked the rally with a double to left field, moving Caitlin Colley (Stouffville, Ont.) to third. Noelani Livingstone (Coquitlam, B.C.) then brought Colley home with a sacrifice fly to center, marking Canada’s first run of the game. Chantal Carriere (Brampton, Ont.) followed with an RBI single up the middle, driving in Tucker and advancing to second on a throw to the plate. Avery Porter (Katy, Tex.) continued the offensive surge with a single to left, moving Carrier to third, and Cece Brown (Maple Ridge, B.C.) delivered a clutch single up the middle, scoring both Carriere and Porter. Brown would later cross the plate on a double by Cali Chapman (Houston, Tex.), and Jana Want (Stoney Creek, Ont.) capped the inning with an RBI single, driving in the final run.
Canada’s defense would then shut down Mexico in the bottom of the second with Morgan Reimer (Langley, B.C.) striking out all three batters.
In the top of the fourth, Porter led off with a double to left, but Mexico managed to retire the next two Canadian batters. However, with two outs, Want, Colley, and Tucker each drew walks, resulting in two more runs for Canada on passed balls. Kenzie Hess (Surrey, B.C.) then drove in the final run with a single up the middle.
The game concluded in the fifth inning under the run rule, solidifying Canada’s outstanding performance.
Reimer earned the win for Canada, pitching three innings, striking out six, and allowing just one hit. Danika Nell (Boissevain, Man.) provided solid relief, pitching two innings, striking out two, and surrendering no hits.
Box Score: 9 Canada vs. 0 Mexico
Team Canada is set to face Team USA in their second game today, August 30, at 6:30 PM local time (7:30 PM EDT).
