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U.S. curlers pull off big comeback
By Julie Dockstader Heaps
Deseret News Olympic specialist
OGDEN — Overcoming early jitters and mistakes, the U.S. women's curling team stormed back from a 6-1 deficit to defeat Japan 8-7 on Kari Erickson's final throw of the draw Tuesday morning.
With the crowd chanting "USA.," Erickson's threaded her last rock past Japan's guard, delivering a single take-out and the Americans' first victory in the 2002 Winter Games. Both the United States and Japan had first-draw byes Monday.
"We weren't used to the big crowd," said a smiling Erickson. "I love it that many support us. This is wonderful."
"It was a fabulous comeback," said Ed Lukowich, U.S. Curling's athletic development director. "They never give up."
The game seemed to slip beyond the Americans at the end of the fifth end, when Japan's skip Akiko Katoh's last stone gave Japan three points and a 6-1 advantage — similar to a 20-point lead in football at halftime.
"We weren't worried," said U.S. second Stacey Liapis. "We've been called 'the gritty girls.' "
The Americans stormed back in the sixth end with their own three points, cutting the deficit to two. A tee-line violation in the seventh end put one of Japan's stones out of play, helping the Americans steal one.
By the 10th end, the U.S. was a point behind but holding the crucial "hammer" — the last stone of the game. Liapis threw a double take-out to set up the final play.
Of her tee-line violation (where a player tries to stop a delivery past the tee-line), Japan's third Yumie Hayashi said her foot slipped out of the hack. Touching her heart, she said she needs "more focus."
In other morning competition, Canada's women defeated Norway 6-5, Sweden beat Great Britain 7-4, and Switzerland edged Russia 7-6 in 12 ends.
In evening women's competition, Canada extended its pursuit of an Olympic medal by defeating Russia 7-6, the U.S. slipped by Sweden 6-5, Germany beat Denmark , 9-5, and Great Britain pummeled Japan, 9-1.
In afternoon draws for the men, Canada extended its record to 3-0 with a 9-4 victory over Finland, Sweden beat Great Britain 7-2, Switzerland defeated Denmark 10-6, and Norway beat France, 9-2.
E-MAIL: julied@desnews.com
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February 13, 2002
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