Vixens squeeze Pulse at defensive end
PRE-SEASON losses to Central Pulse in New Zealand two weeks ago fired up Melbourne Vixens for a defensive focus that helped kick off their title defence with a commanding 24-goal win yesterday.
After unfurling their 2014 premiership flag, the Vixens showed they would challenge again this season after scoring a 64-40 win over the Pulse.
The Round 1 result in the first trans-Tasman match at Margaret Court Arena continued the NZ side’s miserable record in Australia, with the team winless from 20 matches.
The Vixens are yet to lose to the franchise in eight meetings.
But two weeks ago, the Vixens dropped both their preseason practice matches against the Pulse in Wellington, showing coach Simone McKinnis their defensive work needed sharpening before the season opener.
They were led by a player of the match performance from Geelong goal attack Tegan Philip (nee Caldwell), who shot 35 goals from 41 attempts alongside shooting partner Karyn Bailey (29/35).
The pair fed off some great passing from Madi Robinson and centre Liz Watson, who has shown the benefits of a full pre-season.
The Pulse started with Jodi Brown and Ameliaranne Wells in the goal circle, but the Vixens’ dominant start forced them to make a swift change at goal shooter after one quarter, with veteran Irene van Dyk injected into the match.
While van Dyk’s introduction, and Brown’s move to goal attack, helped deliver Pulse’s strongest quarter, they could not match the Vixens’ starting unit that steered them to grand final victory over the Queensland Firebirds last year.