The KSS Owls were determined to make it three regional championship victories in a row this past weekend.
With match-ups against other Thompson and Okanagan high-schools Sahali, South Kamloops, Westsyde and George Elliot, the Owls went undefeated on their way to the provincials.
KSS skipper Katelyn McGillivray led the way for the Owls and coach Bob Harris credited all members of the rink playing fantastic in the Owls’ five undefeated games.
“The competition was the best it’s been in the three years we’ve won, we played some tough teams,” said Harris. “The girls are passionate, and they’re all excited to get going and put in another month of work before provincials in February.”
The McGillivray rink includes Vivian Schmeekle, Megan Sergerie and Erika Ellis, who all play in adult leagues to sharpen their skills throughout the season.
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Harris, who is entering his fourth season as coach with the Owls, he said the school programs in Kelowna for curling have been lacking compared to other school districts in the Thompson-Okanagan.
“There were five Kamloops high schools (at regionals), but only one from Kelowna. The schools don’t expose the students to curling until a third of the season has past,” said Harris.
The Kelowna high school showed no disadvantage as the Owls rolled through Sahali High School in the first game, and then South Kamloops in the second. During the two knock-out matches, Kelowna blew past Westsyde High School, but found themselves in a tight spot with a rematch against South Kamloops in the semi-finals. After playing behind for most the match, the Owls came back from a 5-3 deficit to beat South Kamloops 7-4.
The Owls cruised past George Elliot 8-2 in the finals.
The girls will train for a month before heading to the provincial championships in Maple Ridge Feb. 27. The Owls have come third in the past three years at the provincials, and look for their best ever finish this upcoming year.
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