Two former Sundre curlers were part of a rink that not only qualified for the annual Jiffy Lube Alberta Scotties Tournament of Hearts, but also reached the championship round.
Third Danielle Schmiemann and second Becca Konschuh, who played with skip Kelsey Rocque and lead Jesse Iles, with Alison Thiessen as an alternate, managed to reach the final against Team Carey during the provincial competition. Twelve teams competed for the title Jan. 23-27 at the Stettler Recreation Centre.
After losing their first round 9-6 against Team Marthaller, Team Rocque went on to win four games in a row — 11-1, 8-7, 4-2, 9-6 — before suffering their second defeat 10-2 against Team Carey.
Bouncing back to defeat Team Marthaller 12-6 in the semifinal, Team Rocque secured a spot for the chance to win gold. Although the battle was hard fought, with Team Carey earning gold after winning 8-3, Schmiemann and Konschuh nevertheless seemed satisfied with their performance.
“We gave it our best go and left everything out there. Even though we came up a bit short, I couldn’t be more proud of my teammates,” said Konschuh, who competed in the provincial tournament for the fourth time.
“It stings for a little bit. But then after you get over the initial loss, there’s still lots to be proud of,” she said.
“We knew it was going to be a tough go,” she said, adding there were many well-rounded teams from throughout the province competing for the championship.
“Our goal was to make the playoffs,” she said.
Schmiemann had never before competed in the provincial event, and said that despite losing their first match, they found their footing and were able to recover.
“Part of us was pleasantly surprised,” she said.
“Another part of us expected to do well.”
Stettler hosted a great event, said Konschuh, whose parents grew up in the community and has family that still reside there. Many of them came out to show their support, but there was no pressure to excel, she said.
“If anything, it gives you a little boost to know that many people are on your side,” she added.
Schmiemann seemed to agree.
“We felt like a hometown team,” she said, adding the stands were packed all week.
“It definitely exceeded my expectations.”
Although the season is essentially over for Konschuh, who for now planned to “rest and take a break,” Schmiemann will in the following weeks be competing with Rocque at a tournament in B.C. as well as another in Russia, where she will be representing Canada alongside teammate Jesse Iles in the 29th Winter Universiade.
Looking a little further down the road, Team Rocque remains optimistic about qualifying for the next Olympics.
“This year proves that with a little more work, we could definitely be there,” said Konschuh.
“It’s in our sights.”
