(OTTAWA, ON) The UNB REDS women’s curling team is leaving Ottawa ready for the next challenge.

After a 9-4 loss to Atlantic University Sport rival Dalhousie on Saturday, the REDS’ run at the qualifying event for the 2023 FISU Winter Games came to an end.

“Although we didn’t get the result we wanted, we’re grateful for this experience,” said UNB skip Jenna Campbell. “It was a great feeling to represent UNB.”

While the young REDS foursome went 0-and-5, they challenged some talented and experienced rinks from across the country.

“We’re taking some valuable lessons on strategy and game tactics,” said Campbell. “Small things about how to deal with jitters and distractions that come with playing in a national championship event. We’re also coming home with some very strong team dynamics. We really bonded here.”

The REDS return home to resume their studies and begin preparations for the AUS Championship bonspiel, in February.

UNB will host that event, at Fredericton’s Capital Winter Curling Club.

“Our road to the AUS starts now,” said Campbell. “We know we need to practice and fine tune things, so we’ll continue to work and play more games to make sure we’re on top of things by then.”

“We’re the home team, so we have our sights set high.”

Campbell was quick to acknowledge that competing at any event, at home or on the road, doesn’t happen without support, especially for student-athletes.

“We want to thank our coach, Wayne Tallon, James Cress (UNB’s manager of Athletic Services), the ice crews at the Capital Winter Club and Ottawa’s RA Curling Club, and, of course, our families and friends and supporters.”

STORY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics

PHOTOS: Claudette Bockstael/for Curling Canada