A former B.C. champion will be trying to regain that status this week.
Kesa Van Osch of the Nanaimo Curling Club begins play tonight (Jan. 19) at the B.C. Scotties women’s curling championships in Coquitlam.
“I think it’s going to be great competition,” said Van Osch. “There’s lots of really strong teams, there’s lots of experience there this year, so I think it’s whoever gets hot this weekend and understands what’s going on on the ice and is able to put a series of games together will do well.”
Her rink this year includes Kalia Van Osch at third, Shawna Jensen at second, Carley St. Blaze at lead and Marika Van Osch as fifth.
“It seems to be working really well,” Kesa said. “Everybody kind of understands each other, knows what makes each other tick.”
The Van Osch rink was among the first teams to qualify for provincials, surviving playdowns despite some inconsistency.
“We wanted to do it the really long way, so we like to win a game, lose a game, win a game, lose a game,” Kesa joked.
Consistency has been a focus in the team’s preparations. The women want to be able to duplicate, in games, the shots that they can make in practice.
“As my coach always says, curling’s very simple,” Kesa said. “You throw at the broom and you throw the right weight.”
GAME ON … Van Osch takes on former teammate Patti Knezevic in the first draw tonight. The B.C. final will be on Sunday. For schedule information and scores, please visit www.playdowns.com.
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