Canada has displayed ability to bounce back and looks to start strong at LLWS
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Starting off on the wrong foot isn't always the be-all, end-all. Just ask the Whalley Little League team.
Throughout its run to the Little League World Series, the team - located in Surrey, British Columbia - has struggled to open tournaments. In the first game of its district, provincial and regional tourneys, it's fallen short in every opener.
But where Whalley LL has lacked in starting power, it's made up for in its ability to finish the job.
After falling to Little Mountain, 3-0, in its provincial opener, it managed to pull off five wins in five days to give it a shot of becoming the 27th team out of British Columbia to make it to the series. Those aspirations took a hit in its ensuing game, as it suffered another opening loss to Medicina Hat LL (Alberta).
But like their previous tournament, that failed to faze them.
Nine days and six wins later, it got a chance to avenge that loss and delivered, routing Alberta by a score of 10-1 in the Canada Regional final to advance to its first Little League World Series since 2018.
"That's kind of been our thing," said Canadia manager Stephen Young on the trend ahead of the tournament. "We might come in a little flat, but we get settled in and typically end up facing the team we lost to in the beginning in the final. It says a lot about their poise. They bounce back, take that first game and build off that."
It's a trend they hope to admonish heading into their series opener against Chinese Taipei on Wednesday, an opponent that's likely to pose a tremendous challenge for them if prior tournaments are any indication. It's very rare for a team to go on to make a run at the title after falling in its first outing of the event.
"We've got to have a different mindset coming here because you can't recover from an opening loss as quickly," said Young.
"But I feel like at this point, they're prepared for this. It’s taken a little bit of stress off now that we've gotten here, so I feel like they're going to come in a lot more relaxed. We're pretty excited."
Either way, it’s an exciting time for the team, as it looks to make it’s country proud and stand out among the province’s rich tournament history.
“To be a part of (British Columbia’s rich Little League history) as a manager and watch my son (Jozef) be a part of this team, it’s a dream come true,” said Young. “I also grew up playing for Whalley and have paid attention to the last few teams that have come here.”
Whatever happens moving forward, it isn't likely it'll affect Young and the team's excitement to be here too much. Everyone on the team is experiencing Williamsport for the first time and so far, it's been surreal.
"It's a once in a lifetime experience, so we want them to have moments just like this and interact with the other teams," said Young after watching his and Chinese Taipei's teams pose for a picture together at the Little League picnic.
"We just want to build those relationships and make friends that they're going to have forever - that’s first and foremost - and also enjoy the experience with ESPN and all the gear. At the same time, we want to put on a good showing for our country and represent Canada as well."
Canada is set to take the field at 5 p.m. at Volunteer Stadium.