Maple Ridge softball star helps Team Canada capture women’s title at championships

Maple Ridge softball star helps Team Canada capture women’s title at championships

Published 5:00 am Tuesday, July 14, 2026

By Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News Staff

Team Canada’s Larissa Franklin in a game against Czechia on July 9, during the 2026 Canada Cup International Softball Championships. (Lathanuel Photography/Special to The News)

The 2026 Canada Cup International Softball Championships ran from July 3-12. (Lathanuel Photography/Special to The News)

Maple Ridge’s Larissa Franklin helped lead Team Canada to the 2026 Canada Cup International Softball Championship this weekend in Surrey.

Team Canada defeated Team China 7-3 to capture the Women’s International Division title at the 2026 Canada Cup International Softball Championship on Sunday, July 12.

The team scored five runs in the top of the seventh inning to erase a one-run deficit and defeat Team China in the championship game at Softball City.

Kelsey Harshman led the offensive attack with three RBIs.

While Emma Entzminger, Grace Messmer, and Harshman each collected two hits.

Entzminger hit a triple in the fourth inning which sparked Canada’s comeback.

Then Harshman put the championship out of reach with a three-run home run.

Pitcher Sara Groenewegen started for Team Canada before Morgan Reimer delivered three strong innings of relief, allowing just one hit while striking out three to earn the victory.

Canada also played flawless defence, committing no errors in the championship game.

The game capped off an outstanding tournament against many of the world’s top international softball teams.

The Women’s International Division featured elite competition from Team Canada, Canada Elite, China, Chinese Taipei, Chinese Taipei Development, Czechia U22, Brazil, Israel, Peru, Venezuela, New Zealand White Sox, TC Colorado, Singapore, American Samoa, and Saskatchewan 222’s.

Nearly 500 games were played across five divisions in the competition over 10 days from July 3-12.

“The 2026 Canada Cup showcased everything that makes this tournament so special, from world-class competition to incredible sportsmanship and unforgettable moments both on and off the field,” said Canada Cup President Greg Timm.

“From Team Canada’s outstanding run to the inspiring perseverance shown by Team Venezuela following this month’s earthquake, this tournament reminded us that sport has the power to unite people from around the world,” added Timm.

Team Canada finished undefeated in the tournament, with a perfect 9-0 record.

The event culminated in the announcement of the 2026 Canada Cup International Division All-Star Team, which included Canadians Erika Polidori of Brantford, Ontario, and Morgan Rackel of Calgary, Alberta – along with players from Chinese Taipei, China, Saskatchewan 222’s, and TC Colorado.

“The future of women’s softball has never looked brighter,” Timm added.

“From our international division to the young athletes competing throughout the week, Canada Cup continues to inspire the next generation while providing a world-class stage for the very best players in the sport. We thank our athletes, volunteers, sponsors, officials and fans for making another unforgettable championship possible.”

Softball City is now preparing for the 2027 Canada Cup which will return to Softball City from July 2-11, 2027.