Canadian Rink Charging to Playoffs
After a string of four consecutive wins, skipper Rachel Homan (Ottawa, ON) has secured a playoff spot for her Canadian Curling team consisting of third Emma Miskew (Ottawa, ON), second Alison Kreviazuk (Ottawa, ON), lead Lisa Weagle (Ottawa, ON) and alternate Stephanie LeDrew (Sarnia, ON) at the 2013 World Women’s Curling Championships in Riga, Latvia.
The Ottawa-based team completed round-robin play with an 8-3 record after defeating Japan 8-4 to clinch third place in the 12-team pool.
This marks the 23-year-old Homan’s first World Championships after winning the right to represent Canada after her rink defeated Manitoba’s Jennifer Jones’ team at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts.
“It’s our first time at women’s worlds,” said Homan. “It’s amazing, we’re really excited to make playoffs. We’ve had to battle all week but I’m really proud of my team. We’ll try not to think about curling tonight and prepare as best as we can for the 3-4 game.”
Canada's Rachel Homan, Alison Kreviazuk, Emma Miskew and Lisa Weagle, left to right, share a light moment against Sweden at the world women's curling championship in Riga, Latvia. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan
The 3-4 game will take place on Mar. 23 at 8 a.m. ET. between Canada and the United States with the winner playing later that day in the semifinal game against Scotland at 1 p.m.
Homan opened the tournament with a 6-4 loss to Scotland (10-1), but reeled off victories in seven of their next nine matches including a 5-4 victory against playoff opponent Russia.
Canada finished in third place behind Sweden (10-1) and Scotland. Sweden finished first after winning a tiebreaker based on defeating the Scottish team 11-2 during round play.
The Canadians will be looking to win the World Championships for the first time since Jones’ rink won in 2008.
