Saskatchewan’s run for the playoffs at the Scotties came to an end on Friday morning.
It was a sign of the game to come when there was disappointment for Saskatchewan in the first end when Robyn Silvernagle hit and stuck on an attempted hit and roll out. Saskatchewan had a single. Their only lead of the game.
It was cruel irony when, in the second, Ontario was set up for two after Silvernagle on an open takeout rolled out.
The game fell apart for Saskatchewan on the third end with the following series of shots by the team – a short centre guard, a centre guard that was light, a missed runback, an angle raise that knocked out a Saskatchewan rock, a takeout that rolled out, a takeout that rolled out, a draw that was a touch outside and a draw that was short.
Down 5-1 after three ends, Saskatchewan could not get themselves righted and the game ended after eight ends with Ontario ahead 9-4.
Ontario had played Saskatchewan’s game of being patient and waiting for opportunities. Saskatchewan just kept missing and giving opportunities.
The shooting percentages of Saskatchewan against Ontario reflected the game:
- Kara Thevenot - 73%
- Jessie Hunkin - 63%
- Stephanie Schmidt - 67%
- Stephanie Lawton -69%
- Robyn Silvernagle - 56%
After the game Silvernagle said they had troubles with the ice.
Hunkin said it was not the most curl they had seen on the ice at the Scotties. They were calling draws to the button with the broom in the 12 foot. She said they had already played a couple of games with that much curl.
She summed up the game as being on “the wrong side of the inch” for Saskatchewan. Philosophically, she continued, that is how it goes.
She said it had been a really fun week and had they had the right shot at the right time a couple of times they would have won a couple more games and still had a chance at the championship.
Stephanie Lawton said they gave everything they had and leave Moose Jaw with no regrets.
Bill Selnes, who’s based in Melfort, has written about sports since the late 1970s.
