USA defeats Japan!

Win #1!

The World Wheelchair Curling Championship is officially underway and Team USA is starting out strong with a 10-2 victory over Japan!

For those of you who may not know, there is no sweeping in wheelchair curling. That means these athletes are at the mercy of the ice, and it really becomes a game of strategy and skill.

USA used the hammer advantage in the first end when Jim Pierce executed a takeout for two points. USA then stole one in the second, and Japan got on the board in the 3rd end when Japan's skip executed a hit and roll to the button for two points. USA came out of the 3rd end break with three more points, followed by a steal of one in the fifth. In the sixth end, USA sat three in the house with two shots remaining. This resulted in the Japanese conceding to Team USA with a handshake.

Jacqui Kapinowski (Point Pleasant, NJ), USA lead, was elated with her first World Championship victory. "It was fantastic! We shot fabulous as a team." Jimmy Joseph (New Hartford, NY), USA second, reported, "We played great as a team and had excellent communication!" Team USA vice skip Jim Pierce (Syracuse, NY) indicated, "The team came together very well. With this momentum, I can see us potentially going to the finals!"

Team USA is resting up now, as competition comes early tomorrow. With smiles on their faces and strategy playing out in their minds, they are looking forward to another big day. USA faces defending World Champions Norway in the morning, followed by Sweden in the afternoon.

Stay tuned to this blog for updates, and remember to check out http://www.sitrin.com/ for animated coverage of the event.

GO TEAM USA!!