REDS Kick Off Day One Of U SPORTS Championships

The UNB REDS kicked off their bids at the 2024 U SPORTS Curling Championships on Tuesday evening in Fredericton, NB. 

On the men's side, UNB made a strong statement to start their tournament, with a convincing 9-2 win over the Brock Badgers.

“We controlled play from beginning to end,” said UNB skip Jamie Stewart. “We managed to get our rocks in the right spots to score with the hammer.”

The REDS set the tone early, clinching a double in the first end.

Despite the Badgers managing a single point in the third, UNB responded with another double in the fifth end to establish a commanding 4-1 lead.

UNB continued their dominance, stealing a single in the sixth end, and clinching a decisive 4-point end in the eighth, leading to handshakes.

“It was a solid effort from each and every player in the lineup tonight,” said UNB head coach Lindsey MacKnight. “Consistent shot-making was the key to our success.”

The UNB women's team fell in their opening match to the defending champion University of Alberta Pandas, 9-6.

“I thought we played really well today,” said UNB skip Jenna Campbell. “We kept it close for the first half, and then they made some really good shots in the second.”

Despite a closely contested game where both teams initially traded points, the Pandas managed to pull away with a three-point end in the seventh.

“We had a few missed shots, and they were able to capitalize on that,” said Campbell. “Their skip made a really good shot to get three at the end, so I have to hand it to her there.”

Following a steal from the Pandas in the eighth, the REDS scored a single point in the ninth before opting to shake hands, resulting in Alberta securing a 9-6 victory.

Both teams are set to return to action on Wednesday.

The women will start things off against the University of Victoria Vikes at 8:30 am, followed by a rematch against the Dalhousie Tigers, whom they faced in the Atlantic University Sport final in February, at 4:30 pm.

The men's team will begin their day at 12:30 pm, facing off against the University of Regina Cougars, and will conclude the day with a match against Alberta at 8:30 pm.

RECAP BY: Evan Richtsfeld/ UNB Athletics

PHOTOS BY: Rob Blanchard/ for Curling Canada