(By Con Griwkowsky, Edmonton Sun)

Kaitlyn Lawes follows her shot during the final of the Shootout at Saville on Sunday. Skipping Jennifer Jones Winnipeg rink, Lawes and company won 6-2. Amber Bracken, Edmonton Sun

EDMONTON – It seems Kaitlyn Lawes has learned her lessons well.

After spending the last two seasons under the tutelage of Jennifer Jones, Lawes earned her first World Curling Tour title as a skip at The Shoot-Out.

Lawes was never in trouble, cruising to a 6-2 win over Calgary’s Crystal Webster in Sunday’s women’s final.

Lawes has taken over the skipping duties while mom-to-be Jones, considered to be the best female skip in the world, was back home in Winnipeg recuperating from knee surgery.

Winning the first spiel of the year is a bonus.

“It definitely is different,” said Lawes, who lost in a semi last year in her only other WCT appearance as a skip.

“Obviously, I wish Jennifer was here.

“She has been super supportive. We’ve phoned her every day. She’s so excited for us and very happy we were in the playoffs and into the final game.”

Click for full story in the Edmonton Sun