Schmitt Rink Ties for 5th at the
Jr. World Champions

The USA Jr. Women's Champion, skipped by Bemidji's Hope Schmitt, tied for 5th place at the Jr. World Championships in Ostersund, Sweden. The team consisting of Schmitt, vice-skip Nikki Baird, second Katie Schmitt, lead Teresa Bahr, and alternate Amy Becher, started out the tournament winning their first 3 games, including a big win against defending champions Team Canada. The Bemidji rink lost their 4th game against the bronze medalist Matilda Mattson's team from Sweden in a close game. The game was decided in the 9th end when Team USA's hammer shot was heavy and allowed Sweden to steal 3. They lost their 5th game against Japan in another well-played game that was also decided in the 9th end when they gave up 3. The girls came back and won a couple more games, but lost their final match against Scotland which eliminated them from a playoff spot. The girls had hoped to make the final 4, but are determined to try again next year.

Coach Scott Baird had this to say, "We played steady all week but had a couple of bad ends that cost us some matches. The top 5 teams were very close in strength and it was anyone's tournament. The Swiss played real well towards the end of the week and took home the gold."