Roles reversed as Rollers claim double derby win
THE Gold Coast Rollers QBL women overcame an 11-point half-time deficit to claim just their second win for the year in a home-town derby against the Gold Coast Seahawks.
After losing the same game last year, the Rollers looked likely to suffer the same fate in 2019 after the Seahawks opened their shooting account strongly. However, a faultless third quarter, which saw the home side pile on 24 points while restricting the lady Hawks to nine points, put an exclamation mark on the Rollers’ outstanding 71-60 victory.
US import Jacqueline LunaCastro had a huge say in the nine-point win with 27 points, including four 3s, nine rebounds and two assists.
“It was a huge win,” she said. “I’m not from here but obviously there’s a big rivalry between the teams so it was even better to get the win.
“We haven’t had our whole team together so to see what we can do when we have everyone was great.”
Fellow US import Arianna Moorer was the final piece of the puzzle Luna-Castro was referring to, with the first-game Roller snaring five points and five rebounds as well as showing significant strength and physicality around the court.
After trailing going into the main break, Luna-Castro said a halftime heart-to-heart inspired the Rollers to come out firing.
“We talked about our mistakes and what we had to do better so we went out and we executed,” she said.
Even more impressive was the Rollers’ ability to restrict Seahawks’ boom recruit Deja Middleton to only 14 points.
“She’s a good player so we had a plan for her but then she started scoring so we had to adjust,” said Luna-Castro.
“When we stick to our plan and execute it then we’re fine.”
In the men’s Coast clash, Seahawks president Ben McGrath will have to wear a Rollers shirt to their next home game after the home side prevailed by 15 points, 91-76.
Tonight both Seahawks sides will meet the Townsville Heat at home.