Birt wins extra-innings contest at Scotties with New Brunswick

P.E.I. skip Suzanne Birt instructs sweepers Michelle McQuaid, left, and Marie Christianson during action in the 2019 Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Sydney, N.S. P.E.I. entered Tuesday’s play at the Canadian women’s curing championship 3-1 after winning twice on Monday. - Nikki Sullivan

SYDNEY, N.S. — P.E.I. improved to 4-1 at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts Tuesday but it took an extra end.

Cheering on Team P.E.I. are (from left) Janice Hughes, Ruth Shea, Helen Hughes and Elaine Gaudet, who is team skip Suzanne Birt’s mother. Janice is the mother of team second Meaghan Hughes and Helen is her grandmother.

The Suzanne Birt-skipped squad New Brunswick 13-12 in Tuesday afternoon’s draw at Centre 200 in Sydney, N.S.

P.E.I. scored five in the second end before New Brunswick scored a pair of deuces in the next two ends. The Island rink counted three in the fifth to take an 8-4 lead before the teams traded deuces the next two ends.

New Brunswick scored a triple in the eighth to cut the deficit one at 10-9.

P.E.I. scored two in the ninth to take what looked to be a commanding 12-9 lead, but New Brunswick scored a triple in the 10th to force the extra end.

The Charlottetown Curling Complex squad, which includes third Marie Christianson, second Meaghan Hughes, lead Michelle McQuaid and coach Mitch O’Shea, plays Northwest Territories (3-2) and Saskatchewan (3-2) Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., respectively. Tiebreakers and the playoffs are set for Thursday.