Asay, Jespersen, Lalor, Luchanski capture Baseball Canada Women’s National Team awards

Asay, Jespersen, Lalor, Luchanski capture Baseball Canada Women’s National Team awards
06/04/2020
Rookie manager Aaron Myette led Canada to a top-four finish and a spot in the 2020 WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup.

Baseball Canada revealed the names of four athletes who have been selected as award winners for the 2019 edition of the Women’s National Team after the squad earned a bronze medal last year at the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Americas qualifier in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

Rookie manager Aaron Myette, who took a young team to Mexico following the retirement of key veterans Nicole Luchanksi, Kate Psota and Ashley Stephenson, while 2018 MVP Daphnée Gélinas and standout Mia Valcke were unable to play, led the team to a top-four finish and a spot in the 2020 WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup.

Most Valuable Player - Kelsey Lalor

A six-year veteran of the Women’s National Team program, Kelsey Lalor was an integral part of the team's success in Mexico. The Red Deer, Alberta native batted .563 with eight runs scored, nine hits including a home run, while hitting in the heart of Canada’s lineup. Lalor was selected to the 2018 WBSC Women's Baseball World Cup "All-World Team".

Ashley Stephenson Award - Amanda Asay

With the retirement of key veterans Nicole Luchanksi, Kate Psota and Ashley Stephenson following the 2018 seasons, Amanda Asay took on an important leadership role for the 2019 club. Using her 14 years of experience, the Prince George, BC, native captained the squad on and off of the field. She was outstanding at the plate, batting an astronomical .700 with two doubles, one triple and a home run. She also pitched in two games and finishing with a 1-1 record.

Futures Award - Ellie Jespersen

The youngest player on the squad at just 16-years-old, Ellie Jespersen had a great first year with the Women's National Team. As the starting second base player, the Spruce Grove, Alberta native solidified the middle infield and showed maturity beyond her years in the leadoff role batting .471 with three runs scored and seven hits including a double.

Special Recognition Award - Nicole Luchanski

The heart and soul of the Women's National Team program since 2006, Nicole Luchanski capped a 13-year run with the program in 2018 with a bronze medal at the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup.

Baseball Canada said: "It is without a doubt that Nicole's dedication to the National Team program is something that should be celebrated and used as an example for future players."

Related articles:
Psota, Stephenson announce retirement
Aaron Myette named manager
WBSC Women's Baseball World Cup 2020 postponed