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MILAN, Italy – The United States women’s curling team pulled off a stunning comeback victory over China on Sunday at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, stealing points in the final two ends to secure a 6-5 win. The dramatic match showcased the resilience of the American squad, comprised of Tabitha Peterson, Cory Thiesse, Tara Peterson, and Taylor Anderson-Heide, and keeps them firmly in contention for a medal.

After falling behind 4-1 after the fifth end, Team USA mounted a determined rally, chipping away at the Chinese lead and ultimately snatching the win in a nail-biting finish. The victory improves the U.S. Record to 4-1 in round-robin play, positioning them second in the standings behind undefeated Sweden (5-0), with Switzerland close behind at 3-1. This win is particularly significant as the team navigates a competition that has already seen controversy with a recent curling cheating scandal involving Canada and Great Britain, prompting changes to umpiring protocols by World Curling.

U.S. Team Overcomes Early Deficit

The comeback began with a crucial two-point gain in the sixth end, narrowing the gap to 4-3. However, China responded by extending their lead to 5-3, seemingly stifling the American momentum. But the U.S. Team refused to concede, demonstrating remarkable composure and strategic play in the face of adversity.

“We just had to stick with it,” said Tara Peterson, the Team USA skip, according to Olympics.com. “We had a good team meeting at the fifth end break of what we needed to do to flip it around for us for the second half, and we got more energy and our draw speed got a little bit better, and we kind of kept the pressure on them to develop some tough shots.”

The turning point came in the ninth end when Rui Wang of China missed a crucial attempt to remove a U.S. Stone from a key position, allowing the Americans to steal a point and tie the match at 5-5. The tension reached its peak in the tenth and final end, with China holding the hammer – the last-stone advantage.

Dramatic Finish Seals the Victory

Despite building a strong defensive position around the “button” – the center of the target area – China couldn’t withstand the precision and determination of Tabitha Peterson. Peterson skillfully navigated through the crowded house, creating a tricky shot for Wang. Wang’s final stone lacked the necessary power, leaving Peterson with an opportunity to place her stone closest to the center and secure the steal, and the win, for the United States.

“I think it says a lot about our team. We’re not going to give up,” Peterson stated after the match, via Olympics.com. “Just keep the game tight, and anything can happen, even if it’s a steal in the last end.”

This victory is a significant boost for the U.S. Team, which is seeking its first-ever Olympic medal in women’s curling. The U.S. Has previously won two curling medals: a gold medal in men’s curling at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics and a bronze medal in women’s curling at the 2006 Turin Games, according to Sporting News.

What’s Next for Team USA?

The U.S. Women’s curling team will face a challenging matchup against Italy on Monday at 1:05 p.m. ET. Italy is competing on their home ice, adding an extra layer of intensity to the contest. Meanwhile, Switzerland will face Great Britain at 3:05 p.m. ET. With three round-robin matches remaining, Team USA will demand to maintain their momentum and continue to demonstrate their resilience to secure a spot in the medal round.

The team’s ability to overcome adversity, as demonstrated in their victory over China, suggests they are well-equipped to handle the challenges ahead. Fans can follow the team’s progress and the full schedule of events at the USA Curling Olympic Hub.

What do you think about Team USA’s chances of winning a medal in curling this year?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with fellow curling fans!

Jamestown, ND – Several North Dakota communities experienced record-breaking high temperatures today, marking an unusually warm stretch for mid-February. Dickinson, Jamestown, and Bismarck all reported surpassing previous high-temperature records, according to reports. The unseasonably mild weather has prompted discussion about potential impacts on winter activities and agricultural planning.

The warmth is a significant departure from typical February conditions in the region. Although specific temperature readings varied by location, all three cities exceeded their previous records for February 16th. This comes as a surprise to many residents accustomed to frigid temperatures at this time of year. The unusually high temperatures are raising questions about the potential for an early spring and the implications for the upcoming growing season.

Record Temperatures Confirmed in Multiple Cities

The Jamestown Sun reported scenes from weekend hockey action, while also noting the record-breaking temperatures. Dickinson experienced a new high for the date, as did Jamestown and Bismarck. While specific temperature figures weren’t immediately available from all sources, the consistent reports across multiple cities confirm a widespread warming trend. The impact of this warmth on local events, such as youth sports, is being observed.

Athletic Events Affected by Mild Weather

The warm weather has already begun to impact local athletic schedules. The Minot State Beavers split a home tri-dual against Dickinson State and Bismarck State, as reported by msubeavers.com. While the report doesn’t directly attribute the split to the weather, it highlights ongoing athletic competitions during this unusual period. Similarly, Jamestown Boys Wrestling lost duals to Dickinson and Legacy, according to News Dakota, potentially influenced by the altered conditions.

Beyond wrestling and collegiate athletics, the warm temperatures are impacting other winter sports. The lack of consistent cold weather is making it difficult to maintain ice conditions for outdoor skating and hockey, and impacting snowmobile trails. The Dickinson Press’s area athletics roundup from January 30, 2026, provides a broader context for winter sports activity in the region, though it predates the current record-breaking warmth.

Women’s Basketball Results Amidst Warm Spell

Despite the unusual weather, athletic events continue. Valley City State University Women’s Basketball fell to Dickinson State in Jamestown, as reported by vcsuvikings.com. This game took place against the backdrop of the record-breaking temperatures, demonstrating that athletic schedules are proceeding despite the unseasonable conditions.

The warm weather is not limited to athletic events. Local residents are enjoying the milder temperatures, with many taking advantage of the opportunity to spend time outdoors. But, concerns remain about the potential long-term effects of the warming trend on the region’s ecosystem and agricultural practices.

Looking Ahead: Continued Warmth and Potential Impacts

The forecast indicates continued warm temperatures in the coming days, raising further questions about the duration of this unusual weather pattern. The potential for an early spring and the impact on agricultural planning are key areas of concern for local farmers and ranchers. Monitoring the long-term effects of this warming trend will be crucial for understanding its implications for the region’s economy and environment.

What impact will this unseasonable warmth have on the upcoming planting season? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and please share this article with your friends and neighbors.