The Reign is Over

There will be a new Manitoba women's curling champion in 2017.

Kerri Einarson's reign came to an end Saturday night at the Provincial Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Winnipeg.

Einarson, Selena Kaatz, Liz Fyfe and Kristin MacCuish fell 12-3 to Darcy Robertson of the Pembina in a tie-breaker to decide second place in the Red Group.

“It's very hard especially when you come into this thing expecting to win it again, it's tough,” said an emotional Einarson after their tie-breaker loss. “We didn't play like we can and that's what happens. Darcy and her team played really well both games.

Robertson stole two in the fourth end to take a 4-1 lead.

Einarson got those two points back in the fifth but the Pembina skip scored a deuce in the sixth and pulled away with another steal of two in the seventh.

The East St. Paul foursome had a chance to clinch first place and a spot in the 1-1 page playoff game but lost 10-5 to Robertson in their round robin finale Saturday morning.

It was the first time in four years Einarson failed to qualify for the 1-1 game.

“I thought going into this game that we would be a little better but I struggled,” said Einarson. “The ice was a little bit straighter this game so it was different than previous games. Little unfortunate but they're playing well so hopefully they make it all the way.”

The crowd at Eric Coy gave the 2016 champions a warm and well deserved send off as they left the ice and headed to the locker room.

“It really is amazing how many fans that we have and people that were cheering for us,” Einarson said. “It's truly amazing all the support we have. I think we were one of the favourites this week and we kind of let everyone down but that's what happens with curling sometimes.”

Robertson will face Shannon Birchard of St. Vital at 7:45 p.m. in the 2-2 page playoff game.

Birchard defeated Cheryl Reed of Brandon 11-4 in the Black Group tie-breaker.

Jennifer Jones and Michelle Englot of the Granite will meet in the 1-1 game.