TEAM USA CONCLUDES WORLD MIXED CURLING CHAMPIONSHIP 2022 WITH 3-4 RECORD
Photo: World Curling Federation
Team Pulli made USA Curling history in their path to represent the United States on the world stage by being the first team with a female in the skip position, male in the third position, female in the second position, and male in the lead position.
After clinching the national title at their home club of Rochester Curling Club, the team looked to continue the positive momentum and clutch execution at the World Mixed Curling Championship 2022 that took place this week in Aberdeen, Scotland.
The event welcomed 35 countries that were divvied up into four pools to complete a round robin before advancing the top three teams of each pool to the playoff division.
The Americans took a strong Spanish team to the final rock in their Championship opener, but the sharp-shooting team from Spain came out on top.
Team USA then dropped two more games to Italy and Wales before finding their momentum again in a commanding 9-1 victory over Croatia.
“The hosts, Curl Aberdeen, have been warm and gracious,” said Team Pulli. “We’ve lost some close games but are enjoying the experience and appreciate all the support we’ve received.”
The Pulli-skipped American squad then went on to defeat Estonia, stealing four points in the first half of the game to secure a 9-6 win.
In game six of the round robin pool play, Team USA met a strong German team. Despite opening the game with a steal, the German’s ability to score multiples proved detrimental for Team USA, resulting in a 7-4 loss.
With a 2-4 record and one game remaining in pool play, Team USA was motivated to conclude the tournament on a strong note.
“We’re looking forward to finishing the round robin with a solid game against the Netherlands,” said Team Pulli.
© Ansis Ventins
In the seventh and final round robin game of pool play, Team USA was first to score, opening the game with a single in the first end, followed by a stolen point in the second end.
The team representing Netherlands regained momentum in the third end, scoring a five-point end to take a three-point lead.
Despite giving up a big end, Team USA maintained pressure and managed to score six points in the second half of the game while holding Netherlands to only a deuce in the sixth end, resulting in a 10-7 victory.
The Americans concluded pool play with a 3-4 overall record, tied for fourth place in Group D, narrowly missing the advancement to playoffs.
“Our team has worked hard for several years to earn the chance to represent our country and it’s been an honor,” added Team Pulli.
With bumps in the road and hard-earned victories, Caitlin Pulli, Jeff Pulli, Rebecca Andrew, and Jason Scott represented the United States with sportsmanship, passion, and skill.
“It’s been great to meet people from all over the world who love the sport as much as we do,” concluded Team Pulli.
USA Curling is sponsored by Columbia Sportswear, Toyota, Twin Cities Orthopedics, Training HAUS, Brakebush, ISS (Ice, Sports & Solar), and Sitrin, and is partnered with IHG, Rock Solid Productions Inc., Laurie Artiss Ltd. – The Pin People.
