Einarson and Lawes Advance in Scotties Tournament of Hearts
Manitoba curling enthusiasts have much to celebrate as Kerri Einarson and Kaitlyn Lawes have both advanced in the Scotties Tournament of Hearts. They triumphed in their qualifying matches, securing spots in the Page 1/2 playoff game.
Einarson and Lawes’ Victories
Einarson, a four-time national champion, defeated fellow Manitoban Beth Peterson with a score of 8-5. Lawes emerged victorious against Nova Scotia’s Christina Black, winning 8-6 with a decisive final throw. Einarson expressed confidence in her team’s performance, stating, “We’re trending in the right direction, and we’re playing well.”
Significance of the Tournament
Both curlers have a rich history in this tournament. Rachel Homan, the reigning national champion, is absent this year due to her participation in the Milan Cortina Olympics. Consequently, Einarson competes as Team Canada while Lawes aims for a chance to win the prestigious event.
Upcoming Matches
- Einarson and Lawes are set to compete on Saturday evening.
- The winner will advance to the final, while the loser will face the victor of the Page 3/4 game.
- Additional teams include Black and Taylour Stevens in an all-Nova Scotia matchup, and Peterson facing Alberta’s Selena Sturmay.
The possibility of an all-Manitoba semifinal and final remains on the table, showcasing the strong talent emerging from the province.
Acknowledgment of Past Champions
Einarson credited six-time Tournament of Hearts champion Jennifer Jones for inspiring Manitoba’s current crop of talent. “Jennifer Jones set the tone for us,” she remarked. “We just say just thank you, Jen.”
Mental Preparation and Strategy
With a nearly 24-hour break before their playoff confrontation, both Einarson and Lawes plan to mentally reset. Einarson mentioned enjoying family time while discussing strategies for their upcoming match. Lawes also plans to observe the evening qualifiers to gain insights on ice conditions.
Their recent games showcased thrilling finishes, with both matches coming down to the final ends. Einarson capitalized on an opportunity against Peterson, and Lawes expertly executed a critical last shot, displacing a protected stone to secure her place in the playoffs.
As the tournament progresses, the excitement continues to build among fans of Manitoba curling. With Einarson and Lawes both in contention, the province stands poised for a significant achievement at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts.
