TEAM USA MIXED DOUBLES LOOKS TO FINISH ROUND ROBIN ON HIGH NOTE
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The United States team of Vicky Persinger and Chris Plys suffered its fifth loss in the mixed doubles curling contest in Sunday’s evening session at the Ice Cube in Beijing, China.
After opening the tournament with a win over Australia, Team USA went on to pick up two more wins over Sweden and China. However, the three victories throughout the first eight games of round robin play were not enough to keep the duo in playoff contention after falling just short in several close games.
"Mixed doubles is brutal sometimes. Looking back on the week, we were right there every single game,” said Chris Plys following the Team’s loss to Switzerland that eliminated them from medal contention. “It just comes down to one or two shots a game that can turn easily. Unfortunately, we were on the side you don't want to be on when that stuff happens."
Plys and Persinger qualified for the 2022 Games by going on an impressive run at the 2022 U.S. Olympic Trials and then finishing in the top two teams of a 14-team field at the Olympic Qualification Event.
"I think I speak for both of us in being disappointed,” said Plys. “You dream about coming to these events and train your butt off your whole life.”
While the results weren’t as dreamed, Chris Plys and Vicky Persinger are already eager for a chance at redemption on the world’s biggest stage.
"It's my first Olympics and I hope that someday I get the chance to come back,” said Vicky Persinger. “I hope to bring a little more confidence and less nerves if I get the chance to come back again someday."
The Team plans to leave it all on the ice in tomorrow’s final round robin game.
“I'm going to be ready to play tomorrow. Regardless, I want to go out and play hard for Vicky and play hard for everyone who has been behind us the whole way back home,” said Plys. “After that, I'll try and get some rest, hang out with Vicky and make sure she gets to enjoy the rest of her experience here in Beijing.”
Persinger’s Olympic competition will conclude with the mixed doubles round robin, while Chris Plys will compete with his men’s team next week.
“We spent a lot of time together the last few years,” added Plys. “Before I go to my men's team, Vicky deserves to have as good of an experience with the team that we've had and brought over here.”
The duo will conclude their competition on Monday at 9:05am (local time) against Great Britain.
USA Curling is sponsored by Columbia Sportswear, Toyota, Twin Cities Orthopedics, Training HAUS, Brakebush, ISS (Ice, Sports & Solar), and Sitrin, and is partnered with IHG, Rock Solid Productions Inc., Laurie Artiss Ltd. – The Pin People.
