The Senior Women started their league campaign with a tough match against Granite City Flames. Panthers had a full bench with 3 players making their Panthers debut. Both teams started nervous with shots failing to drop, but it didn’t take long for Flames to find their rhythm. Debutant Maria Biblioni finally broke the deadlock for Panthers who finished the quarter down 26-5.
Quarter 2 saw Panthers fire up at both ends of the court. Defensively Linsi Urquhart, Elena Kiraly and Collette McGhee were hussling hard for rebounds allowing Maria Bilblioni and Caitlin Robbie to finish on the fast break. Panthers were slowly closing the gap, keeping flames to only 2 points and winning the quarter! Half time 28 – 14.
Into the second half and Panthers were fired up, switching up the defence kept Flames at bay and offensively it was coming together nicely. Great ball movement allowed Gemma Lewis space to hit a long 2 boosting everyones confidence. Tireless work from Becca Leslie on defence led to turnovers which allowed Maria to thread the needle and find Caitlin for an easy lay up. Wonder Women June Buchan never stopped, and fought hard for offensive rebounds scoring vital baskets for Panthers. End of the third 40 – 28.
Going into the final quarter there were tired legs on both sides of the court. Rhona MacKenzie and Naomi Duncan continued to contribute on their debut, with sharp passes and interceptions on defence. Unfortunately there was nothing left in the tank as shots and lay ups painfully rimmed out as the seconds ticked down. Well done to Flames on a good win. Panthers are in action at home against Aberdeen Uni next week – 3rd October, 8.15pm tip off.
FINAL SCORE – GC FLAMES 59 – 33 PANTHERS BC
Maria Biblioni – 18
Caitlin Robbie – 7
June Buchan – 4
Gemma Lewis – 4
