Skyler Ackerman hasn't had a lot of success at the New Holland Canadian Junior championship so far, but when one of your goals is to gain experience for the next time you make the trip, every game is a bonus.
Ackerman and her Moose Jaw Ford Curling Centre rink of third Madison Johnson, second Chantel Hoag and lead Samantha McLaren posted an 0-3 record through their first draws at the 14-team event in Prince Albert.
The local foursome opened with a 6-2 loss to Nova Scotia's Kaitlyn Jones, stealing one in their first-ever end at nationals before giving up single points three of the next four ends. Ackerman managed to get one back in the eighth but a three-spot by Nova Scotia (2-0) in the ninth put the game away.
Things weren't quite as close in their next game against Northern Ontario's Kira Brunton (2-1), as Ackerman fell behind 4-1 through three ends and gave up up steals in the seventh, eighth and ninth on their way to a 7-1 loss.
Ackerman's first game on Day 3 of the competition turned into an offensive shootout against Ontario's Thea Coburn. Coburn stole three in the first end and two more in the second for an early 5-0 lead. Ackerman got back on track with three in the third and an a steal of one in the fourth to close to within one, only to give up another three in the fifth and trail 8-4 at the break.
The Moose Jaw squad took over from there, getting that three back in the sixth and then stealing one in the seventh to tie the game 8-8. The two teams exchanged points the next two ends before Coburn used the hammer to pick up one in the final end and take a 10-9 victory.
Ackerman continues her nationals quest with games against Alberta and B.C. on Jan. 21 and Nunavet on Jan. 22.
