It came down to the very end but Kate Cameron and her rink captured the coveted 2025 Women of the Rings Championship on Sunday afternoon in Pilot Mound.
“That last game there, momentum changed both ways”, a tired but excited Cameron explained Monday. “We had a chance to get two in the first end and really control from there but I didn’t quite make that last one good enough. I think momentum kind of switched back and forth there for a bit.”
Things stayed pretty even, until the 8th end when Cameron and her rink rose to another level.
“We were able to steal two, taking those two heading into 9 made us feel a lot more comfortable. Knowing that even if we gave up a cheap deuce, we still had control and all we could hope for is that I could make a shot in 10. We’re very happy to have pulled off that win and we’re honoured to be off to Thunder Bay with the buffalo on our backs”
Cameron says that when the game is on the line and pressure is at its highest, she want’s to be the one shooting, she want’s to control her teams fate. “I for sure want to be the one throwing it every time,” she says with a laugh. “You control your own destiny that way. You never know what can happen, it could be the hardest shot ever you’ve left them and they can go up there and make it. It feels so much better when you’re the one taking that shot. I know all I have to do is have a good shot, I know my team around me is ready for those moments and that’s what makes us strong.”
To come out on top is special but Cameron says it’s even more so because of the level of talent currently getting a well deserved spot light in the game. “Pilot Mound, the host committee, the sponsors, they were all amazing. The community was so terrific to host such a big event, everyone was so welcoming, it was so special right from the beginning. The competitor’s here in Manitoba are unreal. There was a lot of talk about maybe the lack of big names at the event from Manitoba, but the teams here are more than deserving at taking center stage for big events and having a chance on the National stage. Manitoba has such a strong field that many people don’t know about yet because they haven’t had the chance to compete on big stage just given how good the province has been for so long. To see just how great teams from all over Manitoba are, shows how strong of a province it is and makes being able to win even better.”
The 2025 Scotties in Thunder Bay, Ontario is coming quickly and for Cameron, who was back at work Monday morning, going back there for another big tournament means a lot to her because of what happened the last time. “Going back is special, I’m looking forward to seeing what the community can do there. The last time the Scotties was there was during the shutdown, so there were no fans cheering, so I think it’s really exciting to go back. They love their curling and I’m looking forward to it.”
Thunder Bay has a few different places someone can go but for Cameron, she’s going to be making a very crucial stop and bringing plenty of a certain item back with her. “I’m absolutely going to be getting Persian doughnuts,” Cameron says very matter-of-factly. “I’m already looking very forward to that. The ‘Sleeping Giant’ is also pretty cool, but the must-stop will be for Persians.”
Fort William Gardens and Fort William Curling Club will host the 2025 Scotties starting February 14th.
The 2025 Viterra Men’s Championship will be in Portage la Prairie starting February 4th with teams from across Manitoba bringing their talents to Stride Place.