OTTAWA, Ontario - UMass Lowell rising junior Alisha Welch (Langley, British Columbia) has been named to the Canadian Junior Women's National Softball Team, according to an announcement made Wednesday.
 
"I'm so grateful for the opportunity to represent my country," the shortstop said. "It means so much to me to be able to wear Canada on my jersey, and knowing my hard work has paid off is one of the best feelings. I think that this summer will be one of the best experiences of my life and I couldn't be more excited."
 
Welch is one of 17 athletes on Head Coach Melissa Basilio's final roster. Her tryouts began back in May with a three-day Identification Camp in Cloverdale, BC before she was then selected to move onto the Canadian Junior Women's Final Selection Camp from June 27-30.
 
"I'm so happy for Alisha," said UMass Lowell Softball Head Coach Danielle Henderson. "She has worked hard all year and I am glad she gets this opportunity to represent her country."
 
The junior national team will compete in the Canadian Open Fastpitch Tournament from July 6-12. The following month, they will come together once again to travel to Oklahoma City for the 2015 WBSC World Championships on August 9-15.
 
Welch led the River Hawks in 2015 with a team-best .299 batting average. She started all 47 games, notching one home run, one triple and five doubles with 14 RBI.