US beats China 6-5 in women’s curling, steals late in thrilling comeback

Team USA’s women’s curling team pulled off a thrilling comeback against China, winning 6-5 on February 15. The victory came thanks to two consecutive steals in the final ends, with skip Tabitha Peterson delivering the clutch final draw that turned the match around.

Peterson’s Clutch Final Draw Sparks Epic Comeback

Tabitha Peterson cemented her legacy as one of America’s finest curlers with a masterclass in composure. Down one point heading into the 9th end, the Minnesota-born skip orchestrated a stunning reversal, positioning Team USA for a miraculous steal. Her precision drew the crowd to its feet as USA took back the hammer advantage with a perfectly executed final stone delivery.

The victory represented more than just another win in round-robin competition. For Peterson, who has dedicate years to Olympic preparation, it showcased the mental toughness required at the highest level of Olympic curling. China’s team appeared poised to control the final frames, but Peterson’s unwavering focus changed everything.

Two Steals in Final Ends Seal Improbable Victory

A “steal” in curling occurs when the team without the final stone manages to score points anyway, a rare and difficult feat requiring precision and sometimes opponent mistakes. USA stole in both the 9th and 10th ends, which in Olympic curling matches often determines medal contention outcomes.

The strategy paid dividends as Team USA flipped a potential defeat into a one-point triumph. This type of comeback demonstrates why curling is called the “chess on ice” of sports. Every shot matters, and Peterson’s team proved they thrive under pressure. The momentum shift in those final frames will likely boost Team USA’s confidence heading into subsequent round-robin matches.

Team Composition and Olympic Experience

Position	Player	Notable Achievement
Skip	Tabitha Peterson	Started curling age 10 in Minnesota, pharmacist by trade
Second	Tara Peterson	Sister of skip, three-time Olympian, six world championships
Vice Skip	Cory Thiesse	Age 31, competes in women’s team and mixed doubles events
Lead	Taylor Anderson-Heide	Crucial opening shots, sets tone early in matches

Tara Peterson, Tabitha’s sister, brings Olympic experience having competed at previous Winter Games. The sister dynamic adds chemistry and trust that cannot be replicated. Cory Thiesse, at age 31, provides veteran consistency. Taylor Anderson-Heide, serving as lead, must deliver precise opening rocks that establish position.

Aileen Geving rounds out the roster as alternate. This blended team combines youth with seasoned Olympic veterans, a proven formula for competing at the highest levels. Their February 15 victory over China demonstrates how team chemistry translates into clutch performance.

“This team does not quit. USA curling rallies with back-to-back steals in the 9th and 10th to take down China in women’s curling.”

— Team USA, official statement on the victory

Round-Robin Success Sets Stage for Medal Contention

In Olympic curling, round-robin play determines seeding for the medal rounds. Each victory becomes crucial as teams battle for top-four positioning. USA’s win over China strengthens their medal prospects considerably. The 2026 Milano Cortina Games feature ten competing nations, making consistency essential.

Sweden’s squad currently leads the women’s round-robin standings with an undefeated record. USA’s comeback mentality and demonstrated poise suggest they possess the resilience needed for a potential podium finish. The psychological edge gained from this improbable victory cannot be understated as competition intensifies.

What Does This Victory Mean for Team USA’s Olympic Future?

Can Team USA maintain this momentum heading into crucial playoff rounds? Sports analysts suggest that comebacks often trigger confidence cascades, where teams begin to expect favorable outcomes. Tabitha Peterson’s clutch execution and the team’s collective trust suggest they possess mental toughness that rivals possess.

The path to Olympic gold in women’s curling requires navigating formidable opponents including Canada, Sweden, and Switzerland. Yet USA proved on February 15 that they belong among the elite by executing under maximum pressure. As round-robin play continues, expect Peterson and her squad to carry this momentum into every remaining match at Milano Cortina 2026.

Sources

• Yahoo Sports – Tabitha Peterson leads U.S. women’s curling team to 6-5 comeback win over China, stealing points in final 2 ends
• Olympics.com – Winter Olympics 2026 women’s team curling, Sweden vs United States results
• NBC Olympics – Late steals lead Team USA women’s curling to win over China in round-robin play