The gold medal round of the 2024 OCAA Curling Championships featured a trio of games across the men's, women's, and mixed divisions.
The women's side saw Humber faceoff against Fanshawe, with Fanshawe grabbing the first point in the opening end. Humber responded quickly with three points in the second end, and a steal of two in the third. Fanshawe would score one in the fourth end and one in the fifth end as the Falcons tried to claw their way back. Humber would get one point back in the sixth end as it tried to close out its game. Humber would steal another in the seventh end to take a 7-3 lead into the final end. Humber would win the 2024 OCAA championship with a final score of 7-3.
In men's action, Humber and Mohawk went toe to toe in the finals for the third straight year. Humber managed a single point in the first end, with Mohawk grabbing a single of its own in the second. Humber would score two points in the third end to get the lead back. Mohawk responded immediately once again with two points in the fourth end to keep things tied at 3-3. After blanking the fifth end, Mohawk would steal two points in the sixth. The Mountaineers would cruise from there as they won gold in the men's division by a score of 9-3.
In mixed doubles, Sault-1 looked to avenge its only loss of the round robin as it squared off against Humber. Sault-1 would steal a single in the first end followed by a pair in the second end. Humber would get on the board with a single point in the third end and steal two points in the fourth end to tie up the match. Sault would manage a single point in the fifth end, with Humber taking two in the sixth to go up 5-4. Sault would take a single in the seventh to tie the game up heading into the eighth and final end. The eighth end came down to the final shot with Humber left to navigate through a maze of guards. Sault would manage to steal one and claim the OCAA championship gold 6-5.
BRONZE MEDALS
Bronze medal matches took place this afternoon at the YNCU Curling Centre for the men's and mixed doubles divisions.
In the men's division, Sault and Fanshawe faced off against each other. Sault came out firing on all cylinders and scored seven in the opening end to take control of the match. The Cougars went on to steal another pair in the second end before Fanshawe was able to take a single in the third end. Sault would add three more as it won bronze and a spot at nationals with a 12-1 victory.
In mixed doubles action, Mohawk battled Fleming-2. Mohawk was able to take a single point in each of the first three ends to go up 3-0. The Mountaineers continued to press in the fourth end when they stole another three points. Mohawk would add one more point as it secured the bronze medal with a final score of 7-0.
SEMI-FINALS
Semi-final action got underway this morning at the YNCU Curling Centre with mixed doubles and men's curling action.
In mixed doubles, Sault-1 and Mohawk faced off. Sault-1 managed a single in the opening end before Mohawk responded with three points in the second. Sault-1 tied things back up at three in the third, but Mohawk jumped back out in front with a deuce in the fourth end, and a single steal in the fifth. Sault-1 would tie things up again with a triple in the sixth end. Mohawk would take one point in the seventh end, and Sault-1 would match with one point in the eighth end, setting up a winner take all extra end. Sault-1 would draw the button and steal a single in the extra end to book a spot in the final.
The other mixed doubles semi-final saw Fleming-1 and Humber go against each other. Fleming-1 would strike first with two points in the opening end, however, Humber was not to be denied as it scored four points in the second end. Skillful shot making by Humber would help it cruise to a 10-4 victory. Humber will face off against Sault-1 at 5 p.m. in the mixed doubles final.
In men's action, Sault and Mohawk would compete for a spot in the final. A big first end for Mohawk had it up 4-0. Sault would respond with a pair in ends two and four trimming the deficit to one. Both teams would exchange singles over the next four ends, with Mohawk prevailing 7-6 and booking a ticket to the final.
Humber and Fanshawe would round out semi-final action with Humber scoring a pair in the opening end. Fanshawe would get one point back in the second end but would not get any closer. Humber would score one in the third, two in the fourth and three in the fifth to close the match out 8-1. Humber will take on Mohawk in the gold medal match.
Championship Website: www.ocaa.com/curl
Live Webcast: www.youtube.com/@CurlingStadiumSoo
Source: Sault Cougars
- OCAA -
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