Acapulco, Mexico – After having a day off due to facility issues, Canada’s U15 Women’s National Team looked strong in their return to action, winning a hard-fought bounce-back 3-2 victory over Columbia in their third game of the opening round.
The game started as a pitching and defence matchup for the first two innings, as neither team could register a run. With both Colombia and Canada having a chance going into the third, turning into a very exciting inning for both teams. Colombia would strike first in the top of the third, as they would hit a ball into center field for an RBI double. Colombia would then score their second run off a wild pitch making the score 2-0.
In the bottom of the third, McKenzie Howard (Burgessville, Ont.) would start the rally with a lead-off walk, followed by a single from Saesha Kent (Langley, B.C.). With two on base and no outs, Sara MacDonald (Maple Ridge, B.C.) would hit the ball right up the middle, scoring both Howard and Kent, with the help of an error by Colombia, tying the game at 2.
Looking to take the lead, MacDonald would advance on a flyout, setting the stage for Tatum Lecavalier (St. Albert, Alb.), where she would deliver an RBI sac fly to give Canada a 3-2 at the end of the third.
Canada would make quick work of Colombia in the top of the fourth and looked to continue their offensive momentum from the previous inning. With two outs in the bottom of the fourth, Colombia would surrender three consecutive walks to Callie Bell (Rocky View County, Alb), Howard and Kent to load the bases. However, Colombia would manage to get out of the inning unscathed.
Colombia would attempt to make a comeback in the seventh, leading off the inning with a single. However, Canada would shine defensively by getting the first out and catching Colombia’s base runner on an error for a double play. After surrendering an error, Canada would get the final out with a catch from Amarah Hunter (Coquitlam, B.C.) to end the game, giving Canada the 3-2 victory.
Rachel Clegg (Langley, B.C.) started the game in the circle and would have a fantastic performance, striking out eight in 4.1 innings of work, walking none, and only allowing four hits. Jordyn Mackenzie (Langley, B.C.) would take over the game in the middle of the fifth inning, where she struck out two batters and only walked one in 2.2 innings.
Team Canada will take the field again against Team Mexico tomorrow at 8:15am CST (10:15am EST) to complete the opening round at the U15 Women’s Pan American Championship.
