PAST LOSS TO RIVALS HELPS DIAMONDS TO SHINE
AUSTRALIAN coach Lisa Alexander revealed the secret of her team’s success after the Diamonds yesterday rediscovered their mojo to take down New Zealand for the second time in five days for a 2-1 lead in the annual Constellation Cup.
Alexander said the 10goal loss to the Silver Ferns just a month ago was never far from her team’s mind, spurring the world’s No.1 side to new heights.
“That loss to the Kiwis is something we are not about to forget in a hurry,’’ Alexander said. “It is still playing on our mind.’’
A combination of blinding speed, patience and precision delivered Australia a 60-52 victory in Christchurch in the annual series between the world’s leading teams.
While far from perfect, the win still illustrated Australia was back on track to defend their Commonwealth Games crown at the Gold Coast in April.
“I’m happy with them,’’ Alexander declared after a match that saw captain and sharpshooter Caitlin Bassett net her 2000th Australian goal in her 71st appearance.
Alexander sent her best lineup into the match and made only minor changes as she and selectors continued their hunt for the combinations they believed had the best chance of winning gold at next year’s Games.
Veteran Susan Pettitt was replaced at halftime by Steph Wood to mix things up in the shooting department in the only change for Australia, as the Silver Ferns made countless shuffles in a bid to record their first win of the series.
“How lucky are we to have both Susan and Steph able to be thrown in there and have something completely different,’’ Alexander said.
After a fast start by the hosts, it took the Diamonds 11 minutes to level the score with a five-goal run near the end of the period, putting the Australians up 14-11.