I never understood that. Her three last appearances there followed her Nationals results of 11th, 12th, and 11th.
Which are all higher than Megan Wessenburg's from 2018. And Bell was 11th in 2016 as well. It's clear that other criteria--such as a strong summer season--can be used to select an athlete for SA. In Caroline's case, I would think that two bronze medals at a major international (4CCs) probably made an impression.

I hope she is assigned early JGP!!!