Kaitlyn Lawes, Selena Njegovan, Jocelyn Peterman and Kristin MacCuish of the Fort Rouge Curling Club in Winnipeg are one win away from representing Manitoba at the 2024 Canadian Women’s Curling Championship next month in Calgary.

The number one seed defeated Kate Cameron of the Granite 8-4 Saturday night and will face Beth Peterson of Assiniboine Memorial in the Provincial Scotties Tournament of Hearts final Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Access Event Centre in Morden.

Team Lawes, who fell 7-5 to Jolene Campbell of Assiniboine Memorial on Saturday morning, finished the Championship Round in first place with a 7-1 record.

“I’m really proud of this team for bouncing back after our game this morning,” said Lawes shortly after clinching a bye to the final. “We’ve had this event on our calendar all year and to be able to play in big games, there’s nothing like that experience. I’m really excited to be in that provincial final tomorrow.”

When asked how well her team has played this week in Morden, the two-time Olympic gold medalist gave high praise to Njegovan, Peterman and MacCuish.

“Incredibly,” answered Lawes. “We’ve learned a lot every single game and the girls are making my job really easy. It’s been a lot of fun to witness some great curling and go after some big shots.”

Lawes, who won four Provincial Scotties championships playing third for Jennifer Jones, explained what the key will be for her team to be successful Sunday afternoon.

“Patience and just believing in ourselves and working together to try and find a way to get to that last rock in the last end.”

Kaitlyn Lawes was also impressed with the number of curling fans attending each and every draw at the Access Event Centre.

“Morden has done a fantastic job. The organizing committee has really done a fantastic job getting people in the building and the community has supported us. It’s been so much fun playing in a packed barn. Every draw, it didn’t matter what time of day – everyone is supportive of all the teams, and it’s just been such a special experience playing at home in Manitoba in front of our friends and family.”

Peterson, Kelsey Rocque, Katherine Doerksen and Melissa Kurz scored three in the ninth end Sunday morning and defeated Cameron, Meghan Walter, Taylor McDonald and Mackenzie Elias 8-4 in the semifinal.

curling_2023Team Peterson defeated Team Cameron in the semifinals Sunday morning