Kaelan Watson has helped Canadian women's field hockey team reach the podium at the Pan American Cup for the first time since 2004.
The 23-year-old defender from Richmond made the most of her first major international competition as Canada upset Chile 2-1 on Saturday in
Mendoza, Argentina. Watson joined the national team program earlier this year after an outstanding collegiate career at the University of Toronto. She then secured a spot on the Pan Am roster thanks to a strong training camp over the summer.
The bronze medal match was played in near freezing temperatures as Canada looked to avenge a 3-0 loss to Chile at the last continental competition - the 2011 Pan American Games.
Canada opened the scoring in the ninth minute when Thea Culley, cleanly deflected
a shot from Sara McManus.
Chile had a narrow escape a few minutes later on a powerful penalty-corner by Danielle Hennig but they progressively settled their nerves and play became balanced. Canada defended well a few penaltycorners but were surprised by a shot in a difficult position by Francisca Vidaurre in the 26th minute.
Both teams started second half tentatively with unforced errors on both sides. Canada took back the lead in the 38th minute after a powerful run by Kate Gillis along the back line and a perfect pass to Culley, alone in the middle of the circle, for her second goal of the match.
Earlier, Canada had finished second in their round-robin group then dropped a 4-0 decision to the United States in the semi-finals. Watson and her teammates are now preparing for an upcoming tour of Australia.
