Sherry Anderson is a national champion for the first time in her career.
The Nutana Curling Club skip won the 2017 Canadian Senior Women’s title last week in Fredericton.
The win earns her a trip to the 2018 World Senior championships.
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The key to victory for Anderson and her team of third Patty Hersikorn, second Brenda Gertzen and lead Anita Silvernagle is to keep it fun.
“You can’t play a sport like we do with four people if you don’t really enjoy the time that you’re spending with them,” Anderson said.
“That’s the main thing in my whole curling career, I want to spend time with people that I enjoy and have fun, and that’s the bottom line to me.”
“Obviously winning is a lot more fun, but I’ve had some great memories with curling teams over the years that I wouldn’t trade for anything.”
Anderson’s victory comes after several close calls at the national level over the years.
She’s played in six Scotties tournaments, finishing third once and second once.
Anderson also was the runner-up at the 2001 Olympic trials.
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Although she’s now a Canadian champion at the senior level, Anderson hasn’t closed the door on making another run at a Scotties title.
“Obviously with my age the Scotties dream is fading a bit but then I get new hope this year with Michelle Schneider and Michelle Englot,” Anderson said.
“We’re basically the same age and she made it to the Canadian final, so I mean there’s still hope for us yet.”