North Battleford’s Robyn Silvernagle looks to defend her provincial curling title this weekend as the Viterra Scotties begins in Melville Friday afternoon.

The format of the event has changed, as it is now a 12-team triple knockout affair instead of the nine-rink round-robin.

The first draw goes at 2:00 p.m. Friday,  with the final happening Tuesday, the winner will represent Saskatchewan at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Moose Jaw next month.

This is the first year CurlSask has had both the provincial women’s and men’s curling championship going in the same venue.

The SaskTel Tankard starts Wednesday afternoon.