Hokkaido Bank’s women’s curling team secured a significant victory over two-time Olympic medalist Loco Solare, defeating them 11-5 at the Japan Curling Championships held on February 8, 2025, at BUNTAI, Yokohama. This victory not only propelled Hokkaido Bank to the finals but also added momentum as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics.
The match started with tension high as Hokkaido Bank and Loco Solare faced off, both teams hungry for victory. Hokkaido Bank, led by skip Mika Niihei, came out strong, making the most of Loco Solare’s errors. Notably, during the third end, Satsuki Fujisawa, skip of Loco Solare, made a pivotal mistake on her final shot, allowing Hokkaido Bank to take four points and establish control over the game.
Despite some setbacks, including two points lost during the fifth end due to stolen shots by Loco Solare, Hokkaido Bank kept their composure. They demonstrated their resilience by scoring three stolen points in the eighth end, sealing Loco Solare’s fate and prompting them to concede, as they could not overcome the gap with only two ends remaining.
Mika Niihei expressed her joy post-match, stating, "I was really relieved, honestly. We didn’t let the pressure get to us this time." Her performance was instrumental as she and her team capitalized on the mistakes of their rivals, showing strategic prowess they had honed over months of training.
On the other side, Fujisawa took full accountability for the loss. "This loss was on me, and I take full responsibility," she said, visibly affected by the outcome. "We have to regroup for the upcoming challenges." This loss has put Loco Solare's hopes for the championship on hold as they prepare for future competitions, including the Olympic qualifying events.
Looking forward, Hokkaido Bank's next challenge will be against Fortius, who topped their league. This match is not just about the championship title but also securing their position for the Olympic trials set for September. The stakes couldn't be higher, especially with the team aiming to capitalize on their improvement from past performances and their recent three-month training trip to Canada.
"We want to create our era!" remarked Niihei, showcasing the team's ambition and determination. Knowing they were just rounds away from Olympic representation has fueled the fire within Hokkaido Bank, and they are eager to prove themselves on the national and international stage.
The competition remains fierce, with three teams contending for Olympic candidacy, including SC Karuizawa Club. The outcome of the Japan Curling Championships will heavily influence which teams advance to the world stage and beyond.
With their impressive win against Loco Solare, Hokkaido Bank has made it clear they are not to be underestimated. The curling community will be watching closely as this team continues on their path toward both national glory and Olympic dreams.
Should Hokkaido Bank emerge victorious against Fortius, they will solidify their position and head to the decisive representative trials, keeping their Olympic hopes alive. The curling matches leading to the Olympic Games are always filled with drama, and this year proves to be no different.