Saunders makes big difference for Steel
One player doesn’t make a team, but in the Steel’s case a certain midcourter made a massive difference.
Shannon Saunders returned from a knee injury in Monday night’s clash at ILT Stadium Southland against the Mystics.
While her efforts weren’t enough to stop the visitors from winning the clash 61-52, she was an important part of an improved performance by the Steel who had looked disjointed in week one of the ANZ Premiership.
Saunders, who missed last season to become a mother, was introduced into the contest in the second minute and made her time on court count.
“It’s really good to be back on court. The knee felt good so very happy. I was pretty happy to get 30 minutes under my belt and hopefully we can progress from there and get back to a full 60.”
Saunders said the side were pleased to put out a much better showing than against the Tactix in Christchurch. “The girls should take massive positives from that game. We managed to stick with them pretty much throughout the game. There’s just a few basic things we can tidy up.”
It was a clash that could have blown out in the closing stages as the Steel’s three Silver Ferns – Saunders, skipper Kate Heffernan and goal attack Georgia Heffernan – were all on the sideline nursing niggles, leaving South African Jeante Strydom as the only international player on court for the home side. Meanwhile the Mystics had Phoenix Karaka, Michaela Sokolich-Beatson, Peta Toeava and Grace Nweke all with international experience.
But the home side fought right to the final whistle.
“It is definitely there. It was great to see what we had been practising at training work well out on court,” Saunders said.
She said it was awesome becoming a mother but admitted she did miss being out on court in Steel and Silver Ferns colours.
“I was pretty busy with my little girl but once I got back out on court I realised I missed the competitiveness ... Being back in the pink is amazing.”
The first-quarter demons of round one were erased as the Steel netted 13 goals in what was an encouraging showing.
Later the Steel showed plenty of fight reducing the Mystics 10-goal lead to three during the third quarter, spurred on by defender Abby Lawson.
In the final quarter, the Mystics pushed the lead out to nine goals.
Goal shoot Grace Namana was superb for the home side netting all 33 of her attempts, while Saunders, her replacement Ivari Christie, Renee Savai’inaea and defender Strydom were also strong.
Mystics goal shoot Nweke was a key player for the visitors producing an impressive display.
Saunders said the team would take confidence from that showing and head to Wellington hoping to knock over the Central Pulse.
There was enough to suggest that the Steel could soon end their 20-match losing streak dating back to 2022.