Rnd 17: South Women hold their nerve after a scrappy start

By Sam Phillips

South Adelaide Panthers 59 | Central Districts Lions 42

South Adelaide recorded its second win of the season, pulling away from Centrals in the second half, 59-42 on Saturday night.

Not surprisingly, the first quarter saw a tight contest between the sides, as each were playing for pride with finals off the table.

The Panthers’ started brightly despite missing key players Ieva Nagy and Maddie Cunningham, taking an early lead on the back of a Claire Dunsmore (12 points) 3 pointer.

The Lions were able to remain very much in the match as both sides made countless errors, with both coaches calling for clam and focused approach from their girls. Centrals held a narrow 2 point lead at quarter time, 15-13 but neither side looked like taking hold of the contest.  

South looked much better after quarter time going on a 10-0 run, making good use of strong board work from Tayla Corrigan (13 pts, 10 rebounds) and Jess Nolan (8 rebounds, 6 pts) who had 4 rebounds for the half each.

Contrastingly, Centrals struggled to get inside the key, as they were forced to try unsuccessfully from outside the arc (just 1/14 attempts for the half). Alisha Carlin did look lively with 10 points and 5 rebounds in the first half but would need more support if Centrals were to challenge South Adelaide who led 27-21 at half time.

South Adelaide’s momentum continued in the third as Centrals looked stagnant going forward.

Teresa Kinross was prominent as she collected 12 second half points on her way to 18 points as one of South’s best. Tara Blight was also trying hard, finding open looks as South’s passing and rebounding supremacy kept Centrals at bay.

A rare highlight for Centrals was a beautiful cut to the basket by Abigayle Mader and a strong follow up steal moments later. The Panthers’ lead was out to double digits at the last change, 37-26 in a low scoring affair.

Centrals started the last with renewed energy, collecting a couple of early baskets as Coach Steve Smith urged his team not to give up on a maiden victory. South looked a little rattled as Carlin continued her good performance ending up with a double-double as Centrals best (18 pts, 11 rebounds).

While the margin got as close as 5, South was able to show great composure to withstand a late Lions charge. South was able to get some easy late minute points to win by a comfortable 17.

Centrals should be praised for persevering in what has been a difficult season but execution errors proved costly when the game was in the balance.

Round 18: Saturday, 23 July at 6:30pm:

Central Districts Lions v Forestville Eagles @ Starplex

Eastern Mavericks v South Adelaide Panthers @ Adelaide Hills




Comments

Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.

Refreshing your Website?

Mobile responsive websites made easy using the new Stack Commerce Website Theme. Subscribe and enhance your site using our range of Add On Features including an integrated Shop.

Laptops showing the Stack Commerce Website Theme.