Manitoba is dominating Pool B at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, boasting a flawless 4-0 record after Beth Peterson’s team secured a convincing 9-2 victory over Northern Ontario’s Krista Scharf. The team’s strategic prowess and cohesive gameplay were highlighted by coach Jill Officer, emphasizing their ability to deliver crucial shots and support each other when needed.
Peterson, who transitioned from skip to third last fall, showcased impressive accuracy with an 88% throw, while Kelsey Calvert, now the skip and fourth thrower, excelled at 95%. Despite the positional switch, the team retained the Team Peterson name and has been performing exceptionally well, outscoring opponents 36-16 in the round-robin matches.
Reflecting on the team’s success, Peterson mentioned that a mid-season decision to adjust positions has resulted in greater comfort and effectiveness on the ice. Calvert, previously known as Kelsey Rocque, expressed a similar sentiment, emphasizing the team’s unity and collective focus on delivering strong performances regardless of the name they compete under.
In another notable match, Lawes secured a 9-4 victory over Kerri Einarson, claiming the top spot in Pool A with a flawless 5-0 record. The competitive spirit and skill displayed by Lawes’ team were evident, with a standout moment being a remarkable angle-raise double-takeout that led to a three-point score in the second end.
Looking ahead, the top three teams from each pool at the end of the round-robin matches will advance to the playoffs, with the final scheduled for Sunday. The ultimate winner of the tournament will earn the opportunity to represent Canada at the upcoming world women’s curling championship in Calgary this March.