Bronze!

It was a long, tough game, though pretty simple as we played lots of hits. We were under enough pressure just being in the game, I didn't want to start making circus shots in the first half. Both teams moved to a more cluttered game in the second half. We got a big end in the 8th and were able to hang on to seal the deal for bronze. As it turns out, we also won the LSD (last shot draw) for the week, too. Here's a photo of us with the gold medal winners, Minnesota 1.

Semi-finals vs. Minnesota 1

This was my first time ever in a semi-final, which right away was terrific. Alas, it was a bit of a whacking, as MN shot lights out and we were just a little off here and there. (1 ft difference can really kill you, as we proved today!) :) Tomorrow we have the bronze medal game against Winconsin at 2 pm EST. I'm hoping the experience from today will help us to relax and just play a curling game. I'm really grateful we'll get another chance at this so soon - it's great prep for the future. Thank you to everyone who has sent such nice emails! We appreciate the support! :)

Game 9 vs. MoPac (Hollywood) and the Playoffs

Fortunately, we were up 10-0 after 6 ends, so the hard part of the game was over quickly. The win put us into a tie at the top of the leaderboard at 7-2, and since we beat the other team (Wisconsin) during the round robin, unbelievably, that makes us the #1 seed going into the playoffs. Minn 1 and Minn 2 played a tiebreaker this afternoon and Minn 1 won, so we'll play them tonight at 8 pm EST. If we win, we play the gold medal match tomorrow at 2 pm, if we lose, we play in the bronze medal match at the same time. Fingers crossed!

Game 8 vs. Minnesota 2

Lost by 5 and surrendered after 8th. We played well, but they were on fire. Maybe we could have kept going and hoped for a miracle (or an earthquake) but we were taking a beating and decided to save our strength for tomorrow and the MoPac game. We need one win to be assured of a playoff spot, but we think we're at least guaranteed a tie-breaker opportunity.

Game 7 vs. GNCC 1 (Cape Cod)

In regions like Minnesota that have more than one berth in this event, they have two teams: Minnesota 1 and Minnesota 2. Minnesota 1 is the best out of the region, and 3 is the runner-up. We, also, like to think of ourselves as two teams: Washington 1 and Washington 2. Today, fortunately, Washington 1 came to play. We had some pieces of very helpful luck, but we did earn our victory this morning against GNCC 1 (Cape Cod.) They were excellent all-around shooters, though they said they felt like they were GNCC 2 or 3 today. We're now 6-1 and, unbelievably, alone at the top of the leader board. We think we're assured of at least a tie-breaker to get into the playoffs. This afternoon, we face Minnesota 2. Fingers crossed!!

Games 5 & 6 - Penn and North Dakota

We're still alive!
After a long slog today, we held off the Pennsylvania and North Dakota to make it to 5-1, tied for the lead now, with Massachusetts. We play them first thing tomorrow morning. Should be exciting! (We hope!) :)

Game 4 vs. Minnesota 1

Huge, huge win today against the #1 seed Minnesota 1 (Norma O'Leary - last year's winner.) Score 10-4 after 9. We're now in a 5-way tie for first place. And more importantly, we're off to the hot tub to loosen up and rest up. 5 more games to go - we just need to take it one shot at a time. This is the most games I've ever won in a national championship at any position, and this is the girls' first time at this kind of event, so we're in new territory all the time now.