Manitoba’s Kaitlyn Lawes is dominating the competition at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Manitoba. Lawes secured a playoff spot as the first team by defeating Yukon’s Bayly Scoffin 9-4, maintaining a perfect 6-0 record. Her team from Winnipeg has been in top form, outscoring opponents 58-24 overall.
Canada’s Kerri Einarson claimed a 10-4 victory over Saskatchewan’s Jolene Campbell, while Ontario’s Hailey Armstrong triumphed over British Columbia’s Taylor Reese-Hansen 7-3. Nova Scotia’s Taylour Stevens also secured a convincing 10-4 win against Nicky Kaufman from the Northwest Territories.
Einarson, a four-time Scotties champion, sits in second place behind Lawes in Pool A with a 5-1 record. Armstrong and Stevens follow closely at 3-2. The top three teams from each pool will advance to the playoffs, which begin on Friday.
Armstrong provided Lawes with a tough challenge this week, with a notable tied game that turned in Lawes’ favor with a five-ender in the ninth. Armstrong’s victory over Reese-Hansen was crucial for the home province, as direct wins hold significance in the absence of tiebreaker games.
Lawes, a two-time Olympic champion, secured her spot in the competition after narrowly missing out in the Manitoba championship. Lead Kristin Gordon attributed their success to hard work and effective processes coming together seamlessly.
In Pool B, Beth Peterson leads with a flawless 5-0 record, narrowly defeating Prince Edward Island’s Amanda Power in an extra end. Meanwhile, Nova Scotia’s Christina Black notched two wins to reach 5-1, and Selena Sturmay claimed victory in an all-Alberta battle to move into third place in Pool B at 4-1.
The final showdown is scheduled for Sunday, with the winning team earning the opportunity to represent Canada at the world women’s curling championship in Calgary in March.