Zeroing in on a big title
Lady Supercats targeting SEABL Championship
THE Geelong Lady Supercats have their sights set on SEABL Championship glory after claiming their maiden Conference title with Saturday’s 62-43 defeat of favourite, Kilsyth.
Geelong’s defensive intensity was the cornerstone to the 19-point success in the East Conference decider, restricting the host to just 23 per cent shooting from the floor with only one player, Maddie Garrick, hitting double figures (19) for the Lady Cobras.
“I couldn’t be prouder at the moment, our defence was amazing tonight,” coach David Herbert said moments after the win.
“We changed up a few things and they really had trouble scoring on us. Yes, Maddie got a few shots away, but I thought we managed her really well.
“We wanted to keep her under 20 points and she scored 19.”
In stark contrast, Sara Blicavs finished with a game-high 20 points, at 60 per cent shooting, and found useful allies in Charlotte Brancatisano and Ebony Rolph, who contributed 15 and 13 points respectively.
And Isabella Brancatisano chimed in with 11 points and eight boards.
“The pleasing thing was that there weren’t too many times that she tried to take them on herself,” Herbert said of Blicavs.
“But she often kicked the ball out to teammates; the trust that has been built is enormous.
“She’s obviously our go-to player, but I think tonight’s game was one of her best.”
Geelong’s defence was stiflingly frugal from the outset, limiting the Lady Cobras to just 10 points in the opening stanza and 11 in the second. But despite being at the peak of its powers defensively, Geelong struggled to break the shackles on offence and led by just two at the main break, 23-21.
Despite Kilsyth’s 56 to 33 dominance in rebounding, a powerful third term saw Geelong prise the match open, before running away in the last quarter.
Regular season nemesis Angela Beadle led the rebound count with 13, but was largely ineffective in scoring with just six points, limited to 21 per cent shooting.
The experienced Chantella Perera was another to crash the glass for 10 boards, but connected for just six points at the dismal percentage of just 18.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a game where a team has been out-rebounded by 23 and still comes away with the win,” Herbert said.
“They had 15 offensive rebounds by halftime and that normally converts to a big score, but our ‘D’ just kept on standing up. They kept on throwing things at us, but we were tremendous tonight.”
Herbert says he’ll quickly refocus for a shot at the AllConference title game against Bendigo next Saturday, after the Lady Braves defeated Launceston, 91-80.
“Obviously we and Kilsyth have been the two in-form teams, so now we’ve got to put our attention towards Bendigo,” Herbert said.
“They’re a quality team and it’s a good challenge for us.
“But again, this group has shown what we’re capable of.”