Taylour Stevens, representing Nova Scotia, solidified her team’s position in the playoffs during the Scotties Tournament of Hearts. On Thursday, in a nail-biting match, Stevens faced Ontario’s Hailey Armstrong, trailing 7-6 in the 10th end. With ice-cold composure, she executed a dramatic in-off shot, reminiscent of Jennifer Jones’s iconic 2005 playoff game against Ontario.
Stevens’ Decisive Shot
With the game on the line, Stevens threw the crucial shot that propelled her team to a 9-7 victory. “That shot was insane, I’m still shaking,” the 25-year-old skip expressed after the match. Earlier in the game, Stevens had built a significant lead with a four-point end, creating a 6-2 advantage. However, her team faced adversity, giving away five points over the subsequent ends, including a critical steal of three by Armstrong in the ninth.
The Turning Point
Reflecting on the match, Stevens noted the importance of a timeout that may have helped refocus their strategy. “We probably should’ve taken our timeout and just taken a second to look at the angle,” she explained, acknowledging that a brief pause might have altered their approach. Despite the ups and downs, her resilience proved vital for securing the playoff berth.
History in the Making for Nova Scotia
This win marked a significant milestone, as it allows two Nova Scotia teams to compete in the Scotties playoffs for the first time. On the eve of the match, Stevens acknowledged the historic context, having seen Christina Black, her compatriot in another pool, confirm her playoff spot. “That’s insane… history is made, and I’m so proud of us,” she remarked.
Future Aspirations
With their initial goal achieved, Stevens’s team now sets higher aspirations. The team, which includes third Maria Fitzgerald, second Alison Umlah, and lead Cate Fitzgerald, had no prior Scotties experience before this event. Staying focused, they aim to harness their momentum as they head into the playoffs.
Playoff Landscape
In Pool A, Team Kaitlyn Lawes (8-0) and Team Canada’s Kerri Einarson (7-1) secured early playoff spots, while Stevens’s team filled the final qualifying spot. Meanwhile, in Pool B, Team Beth Peterson (7-0), Christina Black (6-1), and Team Selena Sturmay (6-1) also clinched playoff positions. A pivotal matchup is set for Thursday night, where Peterson can secure the top seed against Sturmay.
Excitement builds as the tournament progresses, culminating in a final where the winner will represent Canada at the world women’s curling championship in Calgary this March.
