Candace Newkirk became the latest player with local connections to earn a berth in the 12-team triple knockout format as she joined Shalon Fleming’s Regina Highland foursome to take the top qualifying spot out of the Last Chance Spiel in Estevan this past weekend.
Fleming opened the event with a 9-8 win over Biggar’s Brett Barber before rolling to a 12-1 win over Weyburn’s Jade Bloor in the semifinal and defeating Saskatoon’s Jessica Mitchell 8-4 in the ‘A’ qualifier.
As a result, Fleming was one of three teams from the Last Chance to qualify for provincials – Balgonie’s Mandy Selzer won the ‘B’ side and Weyburn’s Rae Williamson landed the final ‘C’ side berth.
Moose Jaw Ford Curling Centre’s Penny Barker became the first rink to qualify for provincials after winning the Saskatoon Nutana Spiel direct berth, one of three Sask Women’s Curling Tour titles her rink would win through the fall.
She’ll be joined by former Moose Jaw competitor Amber Holland, who now curls out of Regina and landed the third spot from the Canadian Team Ranking System standings.
Regina’s Michelle Englot (SWCT series champion), Lorraine Schneider (SWCT runner-up), Sherry Anderson (CTRS standings #1) and defending champion Robyn Silvernagle (CTRS standings #2) earned the other direct berths.
The other three spots were determined by the Viterra Challenge in Unity during the Dec. 13 weekend.
Saskatoon’s Kristen Streifel landed the top spot from that tournament, with Regina’s Ashley Howard winning the ‘B’ side spot and Regina’s Jana Tisdale the ‘C’ berth.
The 2020 Viterra Scotties provincial championships take place Nov. 24-28 in Melville, with the winner advancing to the Scotties Tournament of Hearts Feb. 14-23 at Mosaic Place.
