Lawton’s Saskatchewan Rink Upsets Canada At Scotties

25/02/2009 00:00

VICTORIA - B.C.'s Marla Mallett might be leading the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, but Sask-
atchewan's Stefanie Lawton has become the skip to watch.

Lawton earned two victories Tuesday to vault herself back into contention at the Canadian women's curling championship. The 28-year-old native of Prince Albert, Sask., has put an 0-3 start well behind her, winning four straight to remain just two games behind Mallett (6-1) in the overall standings.

Canada's Jennifer Jones is alone in second at 5-1, followed by Alberta's Cheryl Bernard and Quebec's Marie-France Larouche at 4-2. Lawton is next at 4-3.

Lawton, third Marliese Kasner, second Sherri Singler and lead Lana Vey opened the day with a thrilling 7-6 win over Jones, handing the defending champion her first defeat. Lawton followed with a 10-6 win over the Territories' Kerry Galusha in Draw 10, and is finally showing the form that made her one of the pre-tournament favourites.

"We're catching on to the ice and making great shots out there," said Lawton. "Every game is getting stronger, and that's what we want to build on.

"We know we can still improve, but we definitely feel good."

The front end of Vey and Singler has been sensational, ranking at the top of their respective positions all week. The duo was especially effective against Canada, outplaying lead Dawn Askin and second Jill Officer and forcing Jones and third Cathy Overton-Clapham to make difficult shots throughout the game.

As a result, Canada allowed its first two steals of the tournament, including the decisive single point in the 10th that ended its 13-game Scotties winning streak.

"Our front end is curling awesome," said Lawton, who leads in overall team efficiency at 83 per cent. "They're the best front end out there.

"They make a ton of shots, and it makes it a lot easier on Marliese and I."

More from Canadian Press.

Mallett leads Scotties, Lawton back in picture.

UPDATE: SCOTTIES TOURNAMENT OF HEARTS

Alberta’s Cheryl Bernard lost both her games yesterday, 8-6 to Heather Strong from Newfoundland/Labrador yesterday morning, and 7-6 to Rebecca Jean MacPhee of P.E.I. last night.

Alberta now drops to 4-3, tied for third place with Saskatchewan and P.E.I., behind leading B.C. at 6-1 and Quebec and Team Canada at 5-2. It's going to be a dog fight from here on out for those four playoff positions. Alberta plays New Brunswick's Andrea Kelly this morning, before taking on Saskatchewan's Stefanie Lawton in an absolutely crucial match this afternoon.

SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:

Somebody better pound the final nails in Team Saskatchewan’s coffin, or else look out! They’re really hot right now, but with three losses already, they certainly can’t afford to lose again - or probably the best they’ll be looking at is getting into a tie-breaker on Friday.