ERIKANA PENDERSON BALEDROKADROKA STEERS TACTIX TO VICTORY
Erikana Penderson Baledrokadroka made a winning return to the ANZ Premiership.
Coming into the second half, the Nairukuruku, Matailobau, Naitasiri, native provided speed in the Mainland Tactix midcourt, as they raced away to a 43-36 upset win over the Southern Steel.
“I’m excited to be back,” she told Tactix website.
“I’ve been down with a couple of injuries and then the lockout.
“It’s a good feeling to be back out there.”
She indicated that Steel played a physical game but they managed to hold them out.
“Our players played well and they did their job.”
Playing under the name Erikana Penderson, her second half appearance made the difference after missing the 2019 ANZ Premiership with an ACL injury sustained.
The Steel were slow to adapt to this change in the Tactix midcourt, with the Tactix starting the third quarter with three unanswered goals.
The Tactix continued to extend their lead, thanks to calm heads on attack and the always reliable defensive duo of Jane Watson and Temalisi Fakahokotau picking up ball, winning the third quarter 14-7.
Selby-Rickit finished the game at 86 per cent accuracy and was awarded the MVP performance. She believed the team’s patience resulted in their success in the third quarter.
“We chipped away for the first half and then we were able to open up - there was more space in the third quarter.”
Steel co-captain and Te Paea’s sister, Te Huinga Reo SelbyRickit, rued her side’s struggles in the third quarter.
“We got a bit hesitant and stopped driving through the ball,” she added.
Other results: Waikato Magic 40-47 Northern Mystics, Southern Steel 36-43 Mainlan Tactix, Northern Stars 39- 63 Pulse Edited: Simione Haravanua