Tough Opening Day For REDS
(OTTAWA, ON) Thursday was a tough day for the UNB REDS women’s curling team.
At the FISU World University Games curling qualifying event, in Ottawa, the REDS dropped a 12-9 decision to Laurier, in the morning draw, before falling 10-5 to Alberta in a later draw.
“We had two tough games,” said REDS’ skip Jenna Campbell. “We’re still optimistic. We’re learning lots and we’re getting stronger every game.”
In Thursday’s opener, UNB held a 9-7 lead before giving up ends of three and a steal of two in their loss to Laurier.
“We missed a couple of shots in the ninth end,” said Campbell. “We made a few errors, and we just weren’t able to get back on track. In the tenth, Laurier played very well, forcing us into a very difficult shot situation.”
In the game against Alberta, the Pandas scored three in the second end and four more in the fourth, and never looked back.
On Friday, the REDS will face Regina, also 0-2, before taking on 2-0 Waterloo.
“Both teams are very strong competitors,” said Campbell. “We need to be ready to capitalize on any opportunities we may get. Those are our chances to set ourselves up to score, so we need to take advantage of as many as possible.”
UNB wraps up round-robin play on Saturday morning, against Dalhousie.
Only the top three teams advance to the playoffs, which begin Saturday afternoon with 2nd and 3rd place teams meeting in the semi-final.
STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics
PHOTOS BY: Claudette Bockstael/for Curling Canada