Acapulco, Mexico – The Canadian U15 Women’s National Team finished the 2025 U15 Pan American Championship in fourth place, falling short to Puerto Rico in the bronze medal game 4-0 in a hard-fought effort. Despite the loss, Canada has earned its spot to compete in the U15 Women’s Softball World Cup.
In the bottom of the first inning, Puerto Rico scored their first two runs on five consecutive walks by Canada.
Puerto Rico would follow that up hitting a single into right field to give them the early 3-0 lead. However, an infield fly and two strikeouts from Chelsea Tan (Surrey, B.C.) ended the inning, preventing Puerto Rico from extending their lead further.
Team Canada looked to answer back in the second inning, leading off with a walk from Amarah Hunter (Coquitlam, B.C.) and a bloop single into center field off the bat of Tatum Lecavalier (St. Albert, Alta.). Unfortunately, they couldn’t drive either runner home.
They would threaten again in the top of the third with two walks from Sara MacDonald (Maple Ridge, B.C.) and Robyn McIsaac (Langley, B.C.) to lead off the inning, putting runners at first and second. However, Canada would hit into a double play, halting the offence and ending the inning.
Puerto Rico extended their lead in the bottom of the fourth hitting a sacrifice fly to right field, giving them a 4-0 lead. They would load the bases once again, but a great catch from Jayden Girling (Guelph, Ont.) in left field would end the inning.
Entering the top of the seventh inning, Canada would look to rally back to extend the game further. With two outs and only one strike remaining, Kenzie Newman (Regina, Sask.) hit a line drive single up the middle to get on base. MacDonald followed that up by hitting a ground-rule double into right field. With Canada in scoring position and the tying run on deck, Puerto Rico would make the final out, sealing the 4-0 victory over Canada.
Rachel Clegg (Langley, B.C.) took the start for Canada, walking two batters and giving up three runs. Tan would come into the game for relief, where she would pitch the rest of the game, striking out five batters, allowing five hits, walking nine, and only allowing one run to score.
Despite the loss, Canada managed to finish fourth in their very first international tournament, where they showcased their skill and heart, both at the plate and on the field. Due to their strong showing in this tournament, Canada has qualified for the U15 Women’s Softball World Cup, which will take place in Italy later this year in late June to early July.
