Tucker leads Canada past Mexico to secure Finals 2025 spot

Avery Tucker's three RBIs and consistent presence on the bases were crucial in Canada's decisive 9-2 win over Mexico in the Repechage of the WBSC U-18 Women's Softball World Cup Group C at The Village in Dallas, USA, on Monday, securing their spot in the WBSC U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup Finals 2025.

Mexico got off to a fast start, quickly getting on the board with two runs in the first inning. Valeria Vazquez drove in the first run with an RBI single, followed by Ixayana Vera’s RBI single, giving Mexico an early 2-0 lead. Despite the early pressure, Canada’s defence regrouped to limit the damage.

Canada responded immediately in the bottom half of the inning. Avery Tucker led off with a single, using her speed to steal second base before advancing to third on a throwing error. She later scored on a sacrifice fly to right field, narrowing the deficit to 2-1 and setting the tone for the Canadian offence.

In the bottom of the second inning, Canada took full control of the game with a powerful six-run rally. Kenzie Hess started the scoring with an RBI single, followed by a two-RBI single from Cali Chapman. Tucker and Danika Livingstone contributed further with RBIs, helping Canada build a commanding 7-2 lead as Mexico struggled to contain the onslaught.

Canada sealed the game in the bottom of the fifth inning. Chloe Bethune and Tucker both delivered RBI singles, adding two more runs and ending the game at 9-2 after five innings, invoking the run-ahead rule.

Tucker’s all-around performance, combined with Canada’s offensive explosion in the second inning, secured their place in the WBSC U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup Finals 2025, while Mexico’s hopes ended in the Repechage final.