Jones bounces back to take bronze

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This article was published 26/02/2012 (5152 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

RED DEER — Winnipeg’s Jennifer Jones is the 2012 Scotties Tournament of Hearts bronze medallist.

Manitoba’s Jones — still reeling from a 6-5 extra end loss to Alberta’s Heather Nedohin in the semifinal Saturday night — made a tapback for a decisive four-ender in the seventh end en route to an 8-6 victory over Quebec’s Marie-France Larouche in Sunday morning’s bronze medal game.

It was not the gold medal the Jones team was seeking here this week — and not the one everyone was expecting for them in an event in which they were heavily favoured to win.

And Jones made no secret after the loss to Alberta Saturday night that she disagreed with having to play a bronze medal game, an innovation introduced by the Canadian Curling Association just last year.

But to their credit, the Manitobans were game, with Jones making a runback double with the final rock of the tenth end for the victory and the team shooting 91 percent overall.

And the win was not without its rewards for the Jones foursome. They picked up an extra $5,000 by winning — $12,000, as compared to $7,000 for Quebec. And each member of Team Manitoba — including alternate Jennifer Clark-Rouire, who played the first two ends on Sunday — will also be presented with emerald rings for their third place finish.

“We were a little flat in the playoffs and obviously we’re a little disappointed,” Jones said Sunday morning. “But we came out this morning and gave it our best shot and ended up with the ‘W’.”

The game also offered a small chance for Manitoba third Kaitlyn Lawes to redeem herself. Lawes struggled mightily in successive Manitoba playoff losses to B.C. on Friday and Alberta yesterday, but she was the best player on the ice in Sunday’s win over Quebec, shooting a blistering 95 per cent.

“In the morning, I thought I’d be upset if I played well because where was that yesterday,” Lawes reflected afterward. “But at the same time, it’s nice to finish off on a good note. A win’s a win. We’re happy.”

Jones has a long history of jettisoning teammates and given the playoff struggles of Lawes here this weekend, the Manitoba skip was asked Sunday morning if there was any doubt in her mind that her team as presently constituted would be back intact for next season.

“I haven’t asked them,” replied Jones, “but in my mind there’s no doubt. I just think they’re terrific teammates and terrific human beings and amazing players…

“The plan is to play to the (2013 Canadian Curling) Trials. I don’t know if everyone else is on board. I’m assuming they are, but I can’t speak for them.”

Alberta plays B.C. here this afternoon in the final (2:30 pm, TSN).

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