The Pandas finsihed with a perfect record at Saville, winnining their second-straight Curling Canada U25 NextGen Classic. Team Serena Gray-Withers (representing the University of Alberta) finishing off provincial rival and former Panda Abby Marks to repeat as the NextGen Classic winner.
"We were having really good practices all week," said Gray-Withers. "We were all feeling pretty confident in our throws. We knew what we needed to do, and we performed well."
The Pandas went 5-0 in round robin play, before picking up a 5-2 win in the semifinal, followed by a 7-3 win in the tournament final.
Although the Gray-Withers squad seemed to control most of the game, Marks still had a shot for three that would have tied the game in the eighth end. An unlucky jam proved that it was not to be, and Gray Withers' Pandas were presented with the championship belt.
"The ice was definitely changing so we got caught a couple times in the eighth end," said Gray-Withers. "We managed to pull through though."
Their names were already engraved as last year's winners, but another plaque will be added to reflect the back-to-back championships.
"The trophy was a surprise in itself," said Gray-Withers. "But we worked hard and we played well, so I think we deserved it!"
The champions were presented with a championship belt – to be shared with the women's and mixed doubles winners as well. The prize also includes a berth in the Pointsbet Invitational, entry into Curling Canada's NextGen Futures program, and up to $6,000 in cash and funding.
