Jones opens final Scotties Tournament of Hearts appearance with 7-5 victory as 22-year-old Saskatchewan skip Ackerman shines in the clutch
CTV
Manitoba's Jennifer Jones opened her 18th and final Scotties Tournament of Hearts with a 7-5 victory Saturday over Nova Scotia's Heather Smith.
Manitoba's Jennifer Jones opened her 18th and final Scotties Tournament of Hearts with a 7-5 victory Saturday over Nova Scotia's Heather Smith.
Jones scored three in the third end to break a 2-2 deadlock and led the rest of the way as Winnipeg rink representing the St. Vital and Altona curling clubs posted a 7-5 victory.
Jones, a six-time Canadian champion and Olympic gold medallist in 2014, announced earlier this week she will retire from team curling at the end of the season to spend more time with her family that includes her two daughters, ages 7 and 11.
The 49-year-old will still play mixed doubles with her husband Brent Laing.
In Pool A on Saturday night, Skylar Ackerman's clutch double in the 10th end drew a roar from the many green-clad fans at Calgary's WinSport Event Centre and helped Saskatchewan (2-0) hold on for an 8-6 victory over Manitoba's Kaitlyn Lawes (0-2).
“That one's a first, for sure,” said Ackerman when asked about the magnitude of the moment. “It feels pretty crazy. It was so cool to see the crowd just light up after and just see all my family in the stands cheering us on.”
The 22-year-old is the youngest skip to ever represent Saskatchewan at the Hearts.
