Local Sports

Manitoba's Einarson will need a win over Nova Scotia in Sunday's semifinal to have a shot at a fifth Scotties title.

Josh Van Unen scored the game-winner with just 24 seconds to go in regulation.

Jennifer Baxter, the team's second, left the game after one end after receiving bad new from home, but her teammates rallied behind her for an 8-7 win over Alberta's Kayla Skrlik.

Thunder Bay, Dryden and Red Lake also picked up wins on Friday night.

Thunder Bay's Karlee Everist made the final four at the Scotties for the second time in three years.

Nova Scotia and Alberta get a second chance on Friday night in the 3-4 qualifier.

Six-time Scotties champion joined Team Canada in person at the Scotties on Thursday, after consulting virtually earlier in the week.

Manitoba's Kerri Einarson and Ontario's Danielle Inglis also advanced out of Pool B with wins on Thursday night.

Thursday's 9-3 win over New Brunswick helped Northern Ontario claw back to .500 at 4-4, ending their week at the national women's curling championship.

It was a magical moment for the two-time Scotties Tournament of Hearts runner-up.