WBSC Softball Americas Qualifier Down To Final Six

The WBSC Softball Americas Qualifier is down to its final six teams with the Super Round beginning on Friday afternoon.

Puerto Rico and Mexico will open Super Round play when they go head-to-head in what should be the highlight of the Super Round.

Mexico won Group B with a perfect record, while Puerto Rico finished second in Group A after suffering a 3-0 loss to Canada.

Canada, Cuba, Brazil and Venezuela also moved through to the Super Round, while the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Peru and the Bahamas were all eliminated.

The top-two teams after the Super Round will earn an Olympic berth, which is why the first game is so crucial for Puerto Rico. Mexico’s undefeated record through pool play earned it a slight advantage, as the two berths are determined by the best record and not an elimination format.

Mexico’s Tori Vidales, Nicole Mendes and Brittany Cervantes have three of the top batting averages in the tournament, while Puerto Rico leads in the power game with Jena Cozza and Alyssa Rivera each leading the tournament in home runs with two each.

It wouldn’t be a surprise if Puerto Rico uses Kamalani Dung, Aleshia Ocasio and Taran Alvelo in the circle, while Mexico may go with Dallas Escobedo.

Canada continues to roll through the tournament and is headed towards one of the two berths. The Canadians will face Venezuela on Friday before playing Mexico on Saturday and closing out the tournament on Sunday against Brazil.

Schedule

Aug. 30

3:30 p.m. Puerto Rico vs Mexico
6:00 p.m. Venezuela vs Canada
8:30 p.m. Cuba vs Brazil

5:00 p.m. Bahamas vs Dominican Republic
7:30 p.m. Peru vs Guatemala

Aug. 31

2:00 p.m. Canada vs Mexico
3:30 p.m. Venezuela vs Cuba
6:00 p.m. Puerto Rico vs Brazil

Sept. 1

10:30 p.m. Cuba vs Mexico
1:00 p.m. Venezuela vs Puerto Rico
3:30 p.m. Brazil vs Canada

College Softball Prepares UNC's Kianna Jones For Team Canada

Kianna Jones' time competing for UNC prepared her for international play with Canada's women’s national team.