Team Silvernagle representing Saskatchewan at 2020 Scotties in Moose Jaw, Sask.

For the second straight year Team Silvernagle will represent Saskatchewan at the 2020 Scotties Tournament Hearts, taking place in Moose Jaw, Sask.

Team Silvernagle beat Team Anderson 8-5 at the Viterra Scotties, in Melville on Tuesday.

It’s the third straight year the two teams battled it out at the Viterra Scotties. Team Anderson won in 2018, Team Silvernagle won in 2019.

“We definitely gained a lot of experience of playing last year in the final…we lost two years before that, but that is still experience we have taken forward every year,” said Robyn Silvernagle, team skip.

Their experience at the 2019 Scotties helped them prepare for Tuesday’s match.

“Going to the Scotties and being on that bigger stage was even more experience to help calm your nerves, stay cool and figure out how to play your best,” Silvernagle said.

Team Silvernagle finished third in last year’s Scotties in Sydney, N.S., and is looking forward to playing at home this time around.

“I think I’m going to have chills every single time we go out on the ice. I know I got chills in Sydney last year, this year will be even more incredible,” Silvernagle said.

As for the added pressure of playing in Saskatchewan, Silvernagle said it’s something they are ready to embrace.

“I don’t think there is any pressure. I feel like you might have pressure being a defending champion over being in your home province.”

For lead Kara Thevenot, she said the team will be so focused in-game, playing in front of a home crowd shouldn’t be a distraction.

“There’s so much going on, usually because there’s four sheets there too so you don’t always know if they’re cheering you or not,” Thevenot said.

“Usually you just try to stay focused… we’re usually just trying to communicate and worry about things ourselves. You don’t always hear the crowd in the background because you are toned into what you are doing.”

Silvernagle said after placing third at last year’s Scotties, expectations remain high.

“I don’t know if we have set any goals yet, this was our first goal just to make it back to the Scotties so we will sit down after this at our practice this weekend… but getting bronze last year, we really want to win,” Silvernagle said.

“You get a taste of that championship and you want to get to the top and be the best.”

The team’s third Stefanie Lawton was skip for Team Saskatchewan in 2015 when Moose Jaw last hosted the Scotties.

She’s looking forward to getting back there and reliving that experience.

“I think it will be a lot of fun. Just having the crowd behind us, the fans and all of our family and friends there to support us. It’s just going to phenomenal,” Lawton said.

“That support is something we thrive on.”

The Scotties are being hosted at Mosaic Place from Feb. 15-23.