Scheidegger captures Alberta women’s title
The 2018 Alberta Scotties Tournament of Hearts could not have had a closer finish.
After two ends were decided by just centimetres, Casey Scheidegger of Lethbridge and defending champion Shannon Kleibrink led their teams into the 11th end at a 6-6 tie.
The teams went back and forth during the final frame, and with just one rock remaining for each side, Kleibrink’s team appeared to have control of the match.
But Scheidegger threw her final stone and gained complete control of the house — and after Kleibrink failed to take it back, Scheidegger’s rink took home first place by a score of 7-6, and Scheidegger won the tournament for the first time.
“That shot, it’s what we wanted to do,” said Scheidegger. “Looking back, it actually turned out better than we drew it up, but it was great sweeping by the girls and great calling by (Cary-Anne McTaggart). It was just an awesome team shot overall.”
Scheidegger was able to secure a spot in the final after taking down top-seeded Chelsea Carey Saturday. Kleibrink was then able to take down the Carey rink Sunday to face off against Scheidegger in the championship match.
“It was a great battle and it could have gone either way,” said Kleibrink. “She made a great shot with her last one, and we just couldn’t get it out of there. They’re a great young team, and they’ll be an excellent representative for Alberta.”
Scheidegger and teammates, McTaggart, Jessie Scheidegger and Kristie Moore will now move on to the 2018 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, which runs from Jan. 27 to Feb. 4 in Penticton B.C.
“I’m ecstatic right now,” said Scheidegger. “It’s a little hard to put into words, but we’re just so happy to accomplish a goal that’s been such a long time in the making. We’re looking forward to Penticton, and we’re happy to represent Alberta.”
Now moving on to the national stage, Scheidegger says she feels the team is ready to compete with the best of Canada.
“Alberta is an extremely hard province to come out of,” she said. “So I think this is great preparation in itself. I think we need to just keep doing what we’re doing.”