Thunder Bay staff has an out of doors likelihood at a direct bye to Sunday’s remaining, however wants a bit of assist.
THUNDER BAY – The outstanding run of Robyn Despins has led her into the playoff spherical on the Northern Ontario Ladies’s Curling Championship.
Despins was compelled to an additional finish by the staff from Timmins, skipped by Lauren Mann, however prevailed, making a hit-and-stick along with her remaining shot to tug out a 9-8 that assured the Thunder Bay foursome of lead Rebecca Carr, second Samantha Morris and third Nicole Westlund-Stewart no worse than a semfinal berth on the seven-team occasion.
Despins may end atop the standings, however would want a loss by Sudbury’s Emma Artichuk in her finale Saturday night time towards Thunder Bay’s Claire Dubinsky.
She’ll depart that for the organizers to work out at this level, glad she and her teammates achieved their first – of many – targets for the week.
“It feels really exciting. We came out this morning and knew that our backs were against the wall and we had to win out, so that’s what we did,” Despins mentioned.
“It was a battle, but we just persevered through the whole game and never gave up and just kept pushing all the way through to the extra. It was a grind.”
There have been rocks in play all 11 ends and the 2 groups managed to place up factors in every one. Mann received the early soar, grabbing a deuce within the opening finish, however Despins roared again with a 3, then stole a single within the third to maneuver in entrance 4-2.
She led 5-4 via six ends and added two extra within the seventh, however Mann made successful for 2 within the eighth and one other one within the tenth for 2 extra to drive an additional finish.
Mann had an opportunity when Despins’ first shot within the eleventh rubbed, however she left her opponent a comparatively open hit for the win.
Despins, who has curled nice all week, was not about to overlook.
The very best is but to return, she hopes.
“This is what we worked for. This is our first goal, to make it to playoffs. Obviously, we want to win this, and we’re a good step forward into that, so we’re excited,” Despins mentioned.
Artichuk, who’s all however locked into the playoffs at 4-1, a win behind Despins and tied with four-time defending champion Krista McCarville, wanted simply eight ends to place away North Bay’s Lauren Johnston 7-2.
The purpose is to simply preserve getting higher because the week goes on, mentioned the Ottawa native, who joined forces with Sudbury’s Laruen Rajala, Jamie Smith and Megan Smith this season.
“Every game we’re getting a better handle on the ice. We’re working better and better as a team together. Our draw scores have been incredible. Every game we just keep getting better and better.”
Getting there may be the one approach to win all of it, she mentioned
“Obviously the goal is to make the playoffs and then anything goes on Sunday,” Artichuk mentioned.
McCarville wants a win on Saturday night time over Mann (4-2) to make the semifinals.
Draw 13 takes place Saturday night time on the Port Arthur Curling Centre, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
