Silvernagle seeks repeat victory as Sask. Scotties move to Melville
Robyn Silvernagle, defending champion, drove with her curling team to Melville on Thursday afternoon.
It’s the first time she’s carried that champ status into a provincial Scotties after several previous close calls, and she’s fully aware that 11 other quartets are there to try to topple her.
“We know all the teams will be wanting to play their best, and will bring their A game when they play us,” said the North Battleford-based skip. “We’ll have to do the same, and not take anybody lightly.”
The women’s Scotties and men’s Tankard will run back-to-back in Melville over the next week-anda-half. It’s the first time the two championships have split a venue in consecutive weeks. The women run from Friday until next Tuesday,
and the men move in for the balance of that week.
Silvernagle, meanwhile, is gunning for a followup trip to Moose Jaw, where the national Scotties will be held next month. Her team from last season, which placed third at the Canadian championship, returns intact — third Stefanie Lawton, second Jessie Hunkin and lead Kara Thevenot.
“You get a taste of it, and you want to go back,” Silvernagle said of the national Scotties. “Getting bronze last year ... this year, we would love to go and win if we make it out of provincials.
“To go and win the Scotties is the next goal. We just have to get through this weekend before we can set those next goals.”
Silvernagle is the top-earning Saskatchewan team on the women’s World Curling Tour this season. She’s collected $19,000, which is good for 24th overall, after reaching two Grand Slam playoff rounds. Next on that cash list is Saskatoon Nutana’s Sherry Anderson, who is 44th with $6,850.
Friday’s draws go at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and action continues until Tuesday, with the provincial champion to be crowned following the 2:30 p.m. finale.
The winner advances to the national Scotties from Feb. 15-23 in Moose Jaw.
IN THE FIELD
Saskatoon Nutana: Sherry Anderson, Nancy Martin, Meaghan Frerichs, Chaelynn Kitz
North Battleford: Robyn Silvernagle, Stefanie Lawton, Jessie Hunkin, Kara Thevenot
Regina Callie: Amber Holland, Cindi Ricci, Laura Strong, Deb Lozinski
Regina Highland: Michelle Englot, Sara England, Shelby Brandt, Nicole Bender
Regina Highland: Lorraine Schneider, Larisa Murray, Ashley Williamson, Jill de Gooijer
Moose Jaw: Penny Barker, Deanna Doig, Christie Gamble, Danielle Sicinski
Swift Current: Kelly Schafer, Kristen Streifel, Amelie Blais, Dayna Demers
Saskatoon Sutherland: Ashley Howard, Kourtney Fesser, Krista Fesser, Kaylin Skinner
Saskatoon Nutana: Jana Tisdale, Krista Ellingson, Ellen Redlick, Brett Day
Regina Highland: Shalon Fleming, Candace Newkirk, Sherilee Orsted, Jasmine Kerr
Regina Highland: Mandy Selzer, Erin Barnhart, Megan Selzer, Sarah Slywka
Regina Highland: Rae-ann Williamson, Alexandra Williamson, Chantel Martin, Amanda Kuzyk