It’s the championship weekend at the 2018 Ford World Women’s Curling event in North Bay.

Memorial Gardens has been buzzing all week with officials acknowledging the enthusiastic crowds.

Team Canada third and vice-skip Kaitlyn Lawes has said they’ve noticed too.

“It has been so much fun curling here in North Bay, the fans have been electric and energetic and just so knowledgeable and supportive of all of the teams,” she said after Thursday’s draw. “To be here and play in front of Canadians, it’s so much fun, what a thrill.”

Much to the delight of another vocal and energetic crowd on Friday night, Team Canada Canada won 8-5 over the U.S. to finish the round robin with a perfect 12-0 record.

The Jones rink will play in the second semifinal at 7 pm.

Sweden advanced to the 2 pm semifinal.

The quarterfinals are being played at 9 o’clock this morning with the Czech Republic playing Russia and the U.S. taking on Korea.

The medal games go tomorrow.

 

PHOTO: Canada skip Jennifer Jones, right, and third Kaitlyn Lawes react following a shot by Jones as they face Korea at the World Women’s Curling Championship Wednesday, March 21, 2018 in North Bay, Ont. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

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