Pandas curling head to FISU: what will send them over the edge?

The University of Alberta Panda’s curling team was chosen to represent Canada at the International University Sports Federation (FISU) games in Italy in January 2025. Team Gray-Withers was selected out of all Canadian university teams. The University of Alberta is sending Serena Gray-Withers, Catherine Clifford, Brianna Cullen, and Zoe Cinnamon as skip, third, second, and lead, respectively.

The Pandas secured their spot after winning their third consecutive title at the 2024 U Sports championship. In fact, they are the first team to ever capture three-straight U Sports championships. The Pandas were undefeated throughout the Canada West and U Sports championships. As a varsity team, they went 14-0 to wrap up their 2024 season.

Where the Pandas have excelled to give them an undefeated record

Given their record, they’re doing a lot right. But to narrow it down, they consistently generate a strong start. Their U Sports championship game saw them gain a 4-0 lead right off the bat. Even with nine extra ends to catch up, that’s a lot to get ahead of. After Celia Evans, the opposing skip, threw her draw short in the tenth end, the Pandas didn’t even need to throw their final stone.

Beyond just a strong start, they have consistent accuracy, miles above the opposing team. To stick with the current example, Pandas’ third, Clifford, outshot the opposing third by 20 per cent in the U Sports championship.

As a team, these players have stuck together for a couple years. For reference, some teams see changes to their lineup yearly. This creates issues with teams needing a few games to adjust to playing together. The Panda’ on the other hand, were ready to go as soon as the season started.

What will send them over the edge at the FISU games in Italy?

A huge advantage that they have going into the games is that they’ve already competed in the FISU. In 2023, they represented Canada at Lake Placid where they placed fifth. The Pandas had their first appearance on the international stage at the 2019 FISU games, where they placed seventh.

Heading into FISU, Team Gray-Withers has a skill of burying their stones to maintain a lead or possibly steal an end. This is an asset when it comes to racking up points and forces the opposing team to mistakingly add more guards in an attempt to catch up.

With an experienced lineup behind them, it’ll be a challenge for any team to force Canada to walk away with nothing.