THE Rockingham Flames and Lakeside Lightning have been the two standout women's SBL teams right throughout 2014 and are now just win away each from setting up a grand final meeting.

The women's Game 1 semi-final matches on Saturday night saw the Orange Autos Rockingham Flames defeat the Kalamunda Eastern Suns 95-88 at Ray Owen Sports Centre while the Lakeside Lightning beat the Joondalup Wolves 80-77 at Joondalup Basketball Stadium.

Despite the Flames and Lightning now just needing to win one match from a possible two at home this coming weekend, nothing is guaranteed particularly with the quality and experience possessed in the Eastern Suns and Wolves' line-ups who played off in last year's women's SBL grand final.

The Flames have dominated the women's season winning their first 17 matches and having just two losses heading into the playoffs and now they are one victory at home next weekend away from making the grand final following Saturday's seven-point road win over the Eastern Suns.

The Lightning women recorded their 12th straight victory on Saturday night but only just with a three-point thrilling win over the defending champion Wolves.

While the game went right down to the wire, the Lady Wolfpack face a huge ask to get back to the grand final in 2014 needing to win twice next weekend at Lakeside Recreation Centre where the Lightning are yet to lose once in all of this year.

With four quality championship-calibre teams in action and a host of star players across the clubs, there were some outstanding individual performances as expected.

Jacinta Bourne was one of the stars of the night for Rockingham finishing with 30 points, seven rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocked shots on the back of hitting 7-of-12 from three-point territory.

Samantha Whitcomb had a strong game as well for the Flames with 27 points, 10 rebounds and four assists with Darcee Garbin contributing 20 points and 12 boards. Kaye Tucker contributed nine points and six rebounds as well.

Jennie Rintala tried hard for the Eastern Suns with 22 points and seven rebounds while Melissa Moyle added 22 points and six boards.

Alison Schwagmeyer finished with 14 points, six assists and five rebounds for the Suns with Jessie Edwards contributing 13 points.

Kari Pickens was the star of the game for the Lightning with 26 points, 14 rebounds, eight assists and three steals on the back of shooting 9-of-18 from the floor, and 5-of-6 from downtown.

Krystal Stoneking also had a strong impact for Lakeside finishing with 19 points and five rebounds with Emily Fielding contributing 10 points and seven boards.

Chelsea Burns led the way for the Wolves with 20 points, 10 rebounds and five assists while Ellyce Ironmonger finishing with 16 points and nine boards, and Shani Amos 13 points, six rebounds and six assists.

Both Game 2 semi-final matches this weekend take place on Friday night with the Lakeside Lightning hosting the Joondalup Wolves, and the Orange Autos Rockingham Flames taking on the Kalamunda Eastern Suns.

If required, both Game 3s will take place at the same venues on Saturday night.

SATURDAY WOMEN'S SEMI FINAL GAME 1 SBL MATCHES
Kalamunda Eastern Suns 88 lost to Orange Autos Rockingham Flames 95
Joondalup Wolves 77 lost to Lakeside Lightning 80

Article by Chris Pike
Photo by Serene Elise Photography