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Moving forward
U.S. women earns semifinal berth
Posted: Monday February 18, 2002 3:27 PM
Updated: Monday February 18, 2002 9:18 PM
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Kari Erickson and the U.S. team ended the round-robin portion with a 6-3 record. AP |
OGDEN, Utah (AP) -- The American women's curling team clinched a
spot in the semifinals of the Olympic tournament with an 11-2 win
over Norway Monday.
The U.S. team ended the round-robin portion with a 6-3 record,
winning its last four games.
"This was our first expectation, reaching the final four. Now
we just have two games to win," team skip Kari Erickson said.
The Americans awaited the outcome of Monday's late games to see
who they will play Wednesday. Canada is assured of the top spot and
will play the fourth place team.
Switzerland (6-2) handed Canada (8-1) its first loss of the
tournament Monday 7-6. Germany (5-3) beat Britain 7-5 to move into
contention for a place in the medal round. Germany played
Switzerland late Monday. Sweden (4-4) and Britain (5-4) are also in
contention.
The Americans led 6-1 after four ends, or innings.
Erickson said the big lead was nice after three earlier games
came down to the final shot.
"We were a little more loose a little more relaxed," Erickson
said.
In the men's competition, Britain beat the United States 7-6 in
a match of teams already eliminated from the medal round. Canada
defeated Denmark 8-3 to clinch the top spot in the round-robin,
while Norway handed Sweden its first loss, 9-8. Switzerland beat
Germany 10-4.
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