(by Jason Simmonds)
CHARLOTTETOWN — Persistence has paid off for Leslie MacDougall.

The lead for Suzanne Birt’s P.E.I. rink will return to the Scotties Tournament of Hearts for the first time in 10 years, when the Canadian women’s curling championship opens in Charlottetown on Saturday afternoon.

“I’m excited,” said MacDougall (nee Allan). “It’s been a long time of trying and not winning.

“I took a couple of years off. I had my son in the middle of a curling season, and he was actually born during a Brier final. . . I took a couple of easy years after that, and came back the last few years.”

MacDougall last curled in the national Scotties as second stone for Shelly Bradley in 2001. She attended her first national women’s championship as the fifth player for Angela Roberts’ rink in 1993.

“It’s more competitive (now) and the curlers are more fit,” compared MacDougall. “In 1993, we had a great time and the curlers were good, but it’s a completely different game now.

“It’s more athletic and more serious. The Olympics have changed the game quite a bit.”

Bradley is now the third stone for Birt’s rink, which also includes second stone Robyn MacPhee, fifth player Tricia Affleck and coach Paul Power.

“Our team dynamics are great,” offered MacDougall. “It’s really been a pleasure to curl with three women who are serious about the game, and enjoy each other’s company.

“It’s really nice to play on a team that has the same work ethic, but also believes in a balance between family, work and curling. It’s not all curling, and we respect other things in our lives.”

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Jason Simmonds/Journal Pioneer