By KEVIN BERGER, Local Journalism Initiative
A terrific first day followed by a disappointing second day was in store for the Martensville High School girls’ curling team as they competed at the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association (SHSAA) provincials, which were hosted at the Martensville Curling Club on March 6-7.
The Martensville team consisting of Emma Hurley, Jada and Drew Tarasoff, Aubrey Nystuen and Lindsay Miller had qualified for provincials by first defeating Rosthern in their district playoffs back in February, according to their coach Larryssa Clark.
That qualified them for the Regionals in La Ronge on February 27-28. While there, the Martensville team was felled by Tisdale in their first game, but rallied to defeat Prince Albert St. Mary in their second and Meath Park in their third.
A final re-match against Tisdale that ended in a 14-4 victory was enough to give them a spot in provincials alongside La Ronge.
In Martensville, the local squad got out to a solid start on March 6 with a 6-3 victory over Kincaid, followed by a 7-3 victory over Estevan that same day.
Sadly, Martensville suffered a crucial 7-5 loss against La Ronge on the morning of March 7.
That put them into a match against Saskatoon Holy Cross, who would go on to win the provincial crown. The Martensville girls were defeated 9-1.
The girls’ run at provincials ended with a match against Lumsden on the afternoon of March 7. This ended in an 8-6 loss, though notably the outcome was decided by a final shot.
While the Martensville girls did not have the result they hoped for, their coach Larryssa said, “I’m so unbelievably proud of all the girls. They played their hearts out and showed amazing work at all levels. I’m so proud of each and everyone of them.”
Lindsay Miller throws a rock while teammates Drew Tarasoff and Aubrey Nystuen prepare to sweep ahead on Friday, March 6.
Aubrey Nystuen and Jada Tarasoff sweep ahead of a rock while playing Estevan.