After a strong start to the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, Jill Shumay and Team Saskatchewan are now in must-win territory.

The Maidstone rink won their first four games to start the event in Kingston, ON, but have lost four of their last five heading into Friday's final day of round-robin play.

Shumay started Thursday with a 7-5 win over Heather Nedohin and Team Canada in the morning, but dropped a 9-2 decision to BC's Kelly Scott last night to drop to a 5-and-4 record, and into fifth place behind Manitoba (9-0), Ontario (8-1), Canada (7-2) and BC (6-3). The top four teams and and any ties for fourth make the playoff draws on the weekend.

Saskatchewan now basically have to win their last two games today between Newfoundland and Labrador (1:00pm) and Manitoba (6:30pm), and hope for losses from the teams above them for any chance at a playoff spot.