The results weren’t ideal, but the performance was more than satisfactory.
Nanaimo Curling Centre’s Nicole Backe rink finished the Scotties B.C. Women’s Curling Championship in Cloverdale with a 3-6 record for a seventh place finish.
But the women were in every game, often just a shot away from success.
Backe, with teammates Shannon Gallaugher, Gloria Palinkas and Barb Zbeetnoff, lost their games by two points or less, including 8-6 losses to Canadian curling powerhouses Kelly Law and eventual tournament winner Kelly Scott.
“Each of our losses came down to the last rock – either mine or our opponent’s,” said Backe. “We took it as far as we could but sometimes it’s not in the cards.”
It was the rink’s second appearance in the provincial championship after a fifth place finish last year and the players had hoped for a better finish.
“Last year was helpful but this was a great field and every game was anyone’s game,” said Backe. “Our coach did a great job of preparing us and we went in feeling pretty comfortable.”
The Nanaimo squad won 10-4 over Jen Fewster of Prince George, 7-4 over Roz Craig of Duncan and 11-6 over Jill Winters of Nelson.
“The ice conditions were great which led to good curling and we were able to use some ice positioning,” said Backe. “That’s all you can ask for.”
Provincials wrapped up a long season for the foursome and they’re now taking some time for themselves.
“We’re just catching up with life right now,” said Backe. “It’s a big time commitment and if you want to do more, you have to get better. That’s something we’ll have to talk about.”
There will be at least one change in the lineup if the team chooses to try for a third straight provincial appearance as Palinkas plans to explore opportunities in senior curling.
