TEAM USA FIND PLAYOFF FINISH AT 2022 WORLD WOMEN’S CURLING CHAMPIONSHIP
(l-r, bottom row) Cory Christensen, Sarah Anderson, Vicky Persinger, Taylor Anderson (l-r, top row) Cathy Overton-Clapham, and Sydney Mullaney at the 2022 World Women’s Curling Championship (Photo by Michael Burns Photo).
The United States (Cory Christensen, Sarah Anderson, Vicky Persinger, Taylor Anderson, and Sydney Mullaney) finished fifth at 2022 World Women’s Curling Championships in Prince George, British Columbia, on Mar. 19-27, 2022.
In the Team’s debut at the Women’s World Curling Championship, the United States opened the event with a statement, winning the first two games of round robin play with victories over Czech Republic and then Italy.
Even in Team USA’s third game of the tournament that resulted in a loss, the Christensen-skipped squad played strong, taking the game down to the final stone against Japan.
In the following matchup against Korea, Team USA fell to the losing side of the scoreboard again after being unable to place rocks in advantageous positions.
Despite the back-to-back losses following such strong opening games, Team USA remained patient and focused on the process, leading to a commanding 12-4 victory over Norway.
“Every team here deserves to be here and are strong opponents, so we know we need to bring our best game every game,” said Sarah Anderson. “We’re supporting our teammates out there and learning every game.”
The win over Norway was only the first of a three-game win streak as the U.S. went on to defeat Germany and then Turkey.
Team USA then met the undefeated Swiss in game eight of the round robin.
The United States challenged Switzerland, but a steal of two by the Swiss in the eighth end proved to be vital, resulting in a 7-8 loss.
Looking to rebound from another close loss, Team USA struggled early in its matchup against Canada after missing opportunities to score in the first half. Canada established a lead that could not be answered, resulting in a 9-3 loss, moving the U.S. to a 5-4 overall record.
With two pivotal round robin games remaining, the U.S. faced Sweden, 2022 Olympic Bronze Medalist, and brought intensity and execution, leading to a 5-4 victory before defeating Denmark to conclude the round robin at 8-4.
Team USA was scheduled to play Scotland on Friday morning, but due to an unfortunate Covid situation that resigned the team from competition, the forfeit gave the U.S. an automatic win.
The U.S. advanced to the qualification game which was the first round of the playoff format at the 2022 World Women’s Curling Championship.
Due to the United States’ fifth place seeding at the conclusion of the round robin, Team USA faced the fourth seed, which meant a rematch against Sweden.
In the qualification game to advance to the semifinals against Sweden, the United States remained in control for much of the game and held a 6-4 lead entering the final end of play.
Unfortunately, it was Sweden that held the hammer in the tenth end and an angled runback by Sweden resulted in a score of four points to secure the victory and advance to the semifinals.
While the loss against Sweden happened in what most would consider heartbreaking fashion, the week that Cory Christensen, Sarah Anderson, Vicky Persinger, Taylor Anderson, and Sydney Mullaney had at the 2022 World Women’s Curling Championship was anything but.
The Team demonstrated resiliency through a long and challenging round-robin, navigated adversity, exhibited selflessness as midweek lineup changes proved to be successful in getting the team back into the win column, and made it clear that USA women’s curling is a force to be reckoned with.
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.
