HALIFAX - Challenging ice conditions were a complication Rachel Homan managed to overcome Friday at the Montana's Canadian Curling Trials.

The hurdle presented by her opposition's steady play was one she nearly didn't clear.

Homan's top-ranked team from Ottawa barely survived a nervy 5-4 victory over the plucky Halifax rink skipped by Christina Black in the opener of the best-of-three women's final at Scotiabank Centre.

"We knew it would be a battle and it was," said Homan's second Emma Miskew.

Down two with hammer in the 10th end, Black had a chance for a multi-point end but settled for a single. With five rocks in the four-foot ring, she tried to bump multiple stones but couldn't nudge a Homan rock from the side of the button.

Game 2 is Saturday afternoon. Game 3, if necessary, will

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