A tight encounter at Hillcrest Stadium on Saturday night saw the Rockets women scrape their way home by 5 points against the Bearcats.

The Rockets lead for almost all of the game, with a strong start from Jo Hill paving the way early. The first quarter was evenly contested with only one point in it at quarter time.

A few mistakes from the Bearcats in the second quarter awarded the Rockets with an abundance of free throws, extending the lead to 8 points half way through the quarter, and 11 points at half time.

Jamie-Lee Peris was double teamed in offence after beginning to make a significant impact on the scoreboard, and in turn the Rockets’ lead was cut down to 4 points with a quarter to go.

The final quarter was of high intensity, as the Bearcats managed to square up the scores at 63 apiece with four minutes remaining. The pressure amounted on both sides and neither team scored for a number of minutes until Sky Langenbrinck stole the lead for the Bearcats. Though it didn’t last long, as danger girl Peris put in a layup and hit a free throw to put the Rockets ahead with a minute to go, securing victory.

Hill and Peris worked together adding 18 points each for the Rockets. Peris was just as impressive at the rim, bring down 12 rebounds for the night. Shannon McKay also played well, scoring 10 points with 8 assists.

Alana Nairn stood out for the Bearcats, finishing with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Trudy Holland’s 11 rebounds and 11 points were great to watch, along with Langenbrinck as she finished with 12 points for the night.

By Sam Tugwell