The Red Deer Polytechnic Queens were nearly perfect at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Conference curling national championships.
In Lethbridge, the Queens were a perfect 7-0 in round robin play and knocked off SAIT in the semi-final before the PACWEST champions shut them down in the gold medal game.
RDP started strong with two in the first, but PACWEST responded with single points in the next three ends to take the lead. A crucial two-point fifth end extended PACWEST’s advantage, and while RDP answered with two in the sixth, PACWEST added a key single in the seventh and held strong defensively to secure a 6-4 victory and the gold medal.
The Queens settled for silver, their only loss of the week. The last time the Queens earned a medal at nationals was bronze in 2020.
All four Queens players, skip - Kaylee Raniseth, third - Cuyler Desormeau, second - Morgan Deschiffart and lead Nicole Homan were named second-team tournament all-conference players.
De Schiffart also earned the Exemplary Leadership Award, and Eldon Raab received the Curling Canada Coaching Award.
The Kings were 5-2 in round robin action and lost 4-3 to provincial rival SAIT in the semis. The Kings wouldn't be denied a medal, earning bronze with an 8-2 win over the Sault Coguars of Ontario.
RDP opened with single points in the first two ends, but Sault responded with a crucial two-point third to tie the game. However, that was the last time the Cougars scored, as Red Deer took full control.
A massive five-point fifth end broke the game wide open, and the Kings sealed the 8-2 win, claiming the bronze medal. This was the Kings first curling medal since 2017, when they won bronze.
The Kings team included skip - Nicholas Woznesensky, third - Jaden Morlock, second - Reece Brigley, lead - Aiden Berube and alternate Rhett Whittmire.
