TURIN, ITALY - The Pandas are returning to Edmonton with some hardware after earning a bronze medal at the 2025 Winter World University Games. 

Following a hard-fought 6-5 loss to Japan in the semifinal, the Pandas responded with a dominant 7-3 win over Norway to capture bronze, the first medal for Canada in women's curling since 2017. 

"We're so excited to bring a medal home to Canada," said third Catherine Clifford. "We put together a strong performance all week. I know the girls and I can head home to Canada knowing we put out heart into every game and represented Canada to the best of our abilities."

The Canadians, led by skip Serena Gray-Withers, Clifford at third, second Brianna Cullen, lead Zoe Cinnamon, and alternate Gracelyn Richards went 7-2 in round robin play, placing third entering playoffs. Canada's only losses came at the hands of the Norway and Japan, with Japan eventually beating South Korea to earn their first gold in the event. 

The bronze-medal match was all Canada. Leading 3-1 in the fourth end, Gray-Withers put the nail in the coffin with a triple-runback takeout for three, and a five-point lead. 

"We bounced back really strongly," said third Catherine Clifford. "We had the performance we wanted to in a big game." 

The Pandas led 3-0 through two ends thanks to a steal of two in the second end, with Gray-Withers' highlight reel shot all but putting the game out of reach. As a team, the Pandas finished the bronze medal match with an 85% make percentage, including 91% on their 29 draws. 

Returning to Edmonton, the Pandas will now set their sights on repeating as Canada West and U SPORTS Champions. The CW Championship is scheduled for January 31 - February 2nd in Calgary.