The Patti Knezevic rink began the defence of its B.C. Scotties Tournament of Hearts women's provincial curling title Tuesday night in Coquitlam.
Knezevic took on Nanaimo's Kesa Van Osch and won 5-4. The two women are very familiar with each other, as Knezevic was Van Osch's fifth player when Van Osch was the skip of Team B.C. at the national Scotties in 2014 in Montreal.
After winning provincials last year, Knezevic and company went on to play at nationals in Moose Jaw and struggled to a 1-10 record.
Today at provincials, Knezevic will play Sarah Wark of Victoria in the early draw and Karla Thompson of Kamloops in the late draw.
Other rinks at the B.C. Scotties are skipped by Amanda Russett of Kamloops, Diane Gushulak of New Westminster, Kelly Scott of Kelowna and Amy Gibson of New Westminster.
The tournament goes until Sunday.
Because of last year's showing at the national Scotties, this year's B.C. champion must play in a qualification round to get into nationals. The 2016 national event is Feb. 20-28 in Grande Prairie.
Knezevic represents the Prince George Golf and Curling Club. The team is rounded out by third Kristen Pilote, second Jen Rusnell, lead Rhonda Camozzi and coach Cindy Tucker.
