Australia has secured its place at the 2027 WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Finals after a commanding performance at the 2026 Group Stage in Rockford, Illinois, finishing with a 4-1 record against some of the world’s best nations.
The Emeralds opened the tournament with convincing victories over Mexico (12-2) and Hong Kong, China (21-0), before suffering their only defeat against tournament favourites USA (10-5). Australia responded in style with a win over Korea (13-3), sealing qualification for next year’s World Cup Finals, then finishing with a memorable walk-off victory over Canada (14-3).
The qualification marks another significant milestone for Australian women’s baseball and continues the Emeralds’ presence among the world’s elite.
Following Australia’s come back win over Canada, Emeralds Manager Jason Pospishil praised the character of his side.
“That is one of the gutsiest wins I have ever been a part of. We just had this next woman up mentality. I could not be prouder of this group and prouder to be an Australian today.”
Western Australia was once again well represented throughout the tournament, with Caitlin Eynon, Leah Cornish, Elodie O’Sullivan, Chloe Atkinson and Meaghan Haggart all making valuable contributions.
Elodie O’Sullivan walks it off. Photo Credit: WBSC.
Cornish Among Tournament’s Best
Leah Cornish enjoyed one of the standout tournaments of any player at the World Cup Group Stage, finishing among the competition’s leaders across multiple offensive categories.
The versatile West Australian led the tournament with 12 hits, and finished third overall in batting average (.632) and on-base percentage (.708). Her tournament included six doubles, one triple, 10 runs scored and nine RBI as she consistently sparked the Emeralds’ offence.
Cornish also contributed on the mound, throwing two scoreless, hitless innings across two relief appearances, before continuing her impact defensively by finishing equal second among all players with nine assists.
Eynon Continues World-Class Form
Emeralds Captain and Baseball WA pathway product Caitlin Eynon once again demonstrated why she remains one of Australia’s premier players on the international stage.
Across five games, Eynon batted .375 with six hits, including two doubles and a home run, while driving in nine runs and scoring eight herself. Her nine RBI ranked among the tournament leaders, while she was also flawless defensively, recording 13 chances without an error.
O’Sullivan Delivers on Return
Returning to the Emeralds after missing the previous World Cup cycle, Elodie O’Sullivan made an immediate impact throughout the tournament.
The infielder collected six hits, including a double, while driving in nine runs across Australia’s five games and securing the walk-off win against Canada. Defensively, O’Sullivan was perfect in the field, handling all nine chances cleanly.
Strong Debut for Atkinson
Making her Women’s Baseball World Cup debut, Chloe Atkinson impressed both behind the plate and with the bat.
The young catcher finished the tournament batting .400, collecting four hits, including a double, while recording a perfect fielding percentage and throwing out a runner attempting to steal.
Her composure and consistency throughout the week highlighted an exciting future in the green and gold.
Haggart Makes Every Opportunity Count
Meaghan Haggart made valuable contributions whenever called upon, both in the batter’s box and on the mound.
Haggart produced two scoreless innings in her start against Hong Kong, China, allowing no hits and striking out one batter. Offensively, she finished the tournament with 1 hit, 2 runs and 1 RBI.
A Bright Future Ahead
The performances of the five Western Australians once again highlighted the strength of Baseball WA’s women’s pathway, with each athlete playing an important role in Australia’s successful World Cup group stage campaign.
With qualification now secured, the Emeralds will turn their attention to the 2027 WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Finals, where Australia will again take on the world’s best as they chase international success.
Congratulations to Caitlin Eynon, Leah Cornish, Elodie O’Sullivan, Chloe Atkinson and Meaghan Haggart on an outstanding tournament and another proud chapter for Western Australian baseball!