As part of Baseball Canada’s year in review, we are counting down the Top 12 Stories of 2012. Many great stories have occurred over the course of the year and today we take a look at #6.
In front of a supportive hometown crowd at TELUS Field in Edmonton last August, the Women’s National Team earned a 17-13 win over Australia to capture the bronze medal at the 5th IBAF Women’s World Cup.
Canada has now won four medals in the five year history of the Women’s World Cup after the first event took place in Edmonton in 2004.
“I think the victory is big for women’s Baseball in Canada,” said Canadian Manager André Lachance after the victory. “We’re really working hard to develop the sport for girls at the grassroots level which hopefully will lead to success at the international level for years to come.
Canada stormed out of the gate strong winning its first six round-robin games before losing 9-7 to Japan to finish second place in pool play.
After a tough loss to the Unites States in the semi-finals Canada had to quickly regain their focus and play Australia for bronze the next day.
The pesky Aussies gave Canada all they could handle by continuing to close the gap after Canada had taken two big leads.
Ashley Stephenson (Mississauga, ON) and Stéphanie Savoie (Québec, QC) paced the offence with two hits and four RBIs apiece, while Hannah Martensen (Ottawa, ON) was credited with the win on the mound.
“I’m very proud of my team and we’re happy to be bronze medalists,” added Lachance
Canada received some stellar performances from many players throughout the tournament. At the closing ceremonies, four Canadian players were honoured for their accomplishments.
Edmonton Native Nicole Luchanski was given the tournaments home run crown after she thrilled the hometown fans with an inside the park homer against Australia in the bronze medal game, while Stéphanie Savoie (Catcher), Jenna Flannigan (Outfield) and Kate Psota (First Base) were named to the tournament All-Star team.
A solid nucleus of veteran players and emerging youngsters are putting the Women’s National Team in line for future success in the years to come!
Top 12 Stories of 2012
12. Les Smeyers becomes 20,000th coach
11. Baseball Canada adopts Challenger Baseball
10. Eight umpires at International Events
9. 23 Canadians in MLB in 2012
8. Ontario repeats as Baseball Canada Cup champs
7. Baseball Canada named COPABE Federation of the Year for 2011
6. Women’s National Team wins World Cup bronze
5. To be revealed Dec. 12th
