OKLAHOMA CITY — Behind six hits and a multi-hit performance from Aspen Boulware, the U.S. U-18 Women’s National Team (WNT) closed out the 2025 World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-18 Women’s World Cup Finals with a 7-2 victory over world-ranked No. 1 Japan. The win capped an undefeated run for Team USA and secured a record-setting fifth-consecutive world championship (2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2025) — and the program’s ninth overall. The U-18 WNT is currently in the midst of a 48-game winning streak at the World Championship. This year’s final marked the 12th time the U.S. and Japan have faced off for the title, with Team USA now holding seven championship wins over Japan. The U.S. also remains the only country to reach the podium in every edition of the WBSC U-18 Women’s World Cup, earning 15 total medals: nine gold, five silver, and one bronze.
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The gold medal matchup began at 2 p.m. CT at Devon Park, with Boulware shining offensively for the Eagles after going 2-for-3 at the plate. Ki’ele Ho-Ching, Juliana Hutchens, Addyson Sheppard and Payton Westra each added a hit, while Boulware notched a triple and Westra contributed a double to help fuel the victory. In the circle, Lilly Goodwin started strong with two strikeouts through three innings before Caroline Stanton entered in relief, fanning five batters to lock in the championship win.
The victory capped Team USA’s sixth win of the tournament, which included Opening Round wins over China, Chinese Taipei and Canada. In the Super Round, the Eagles secured two more wins against Japan and Mexico to claim the No. 1 seed entering the final. The U.S. displayed dominance throughout the event, winning three of six games by run-rule and outscoring opponents 48-9. Hutchens led the offense with an impressive .800 batting average, followed by Boulware (.588) and McLaine Hudson (.562). In the circle, the pitching staff of Madi Doty, Brielle Gardiner, Goodwin, Ella Kate Smith and Stanton combined for 36 strikeouts while allowing only seven earned runs through 36 innings.
Team USA led the tournament in 10 offensive categories, while Stanton paced the pitching side with the most wins. Three Eagles earned All-World Team honors — Boulware, Hudson and Hutchens — with Hutchens also named Tournament MVP. Hutchens swept three offensive awards (Leading Hitter, Most Runs Batted In and Most Home Runs), while Boulware earned Most Runs Scored and Stanton was recognized as Best Defensive Player. For complete stats and leaderboards, visit wbsc.org.
To learn more about the U.S. Women’s National Team program, visit USASoftball.com.
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