Keely Froling says she’s ready to step up
By John Robinson IV
With Kelsey Griffin out for the next six weeks due to an ankle injury, look for Keeling Froling to play a greater role in the UC Capitals next matchups.
Froling has already shown great improvements this season from a year ago. Her offensive ability has always been versatile, but this year Froling’s really shown her potential as a defender.
When asked about the loss of Griffin, Froling spoke high about her teammate. “She is the best player on this team and she brings so much on the court – just her energy and her leadership. We’re definitely going to miss her but I think it’s a good opportunity now for other people to stand up and to show that we don’t just rely on Kelsey.”
Although Froling will face more pressure, she has all the tools in her arsenal to be effective as she has shown over the course of the season so far. “I will have to step into the four spot now. Tolo will be in the five, so it will be nice to have a bigger body on. For me, it’s getting a lot more rebounds and try to be a lot more aggressive and defensively, Kelsey’s such a stopper for us so that’s kind of where my mindset goes. I just have to step up.
“I have a lot of confidence in how I’m playing, and I know I can play in this league and against the girls especially in the four spot. I don’t think there’s any real big ‘bigs’ that are a massive issue when we have Tolo – she can take them. Obviously, it’s a blow for Kelsey but for me I can take this opportunity and show that I can play.”
Going up against the Bendigo Spirit this week will be Keely’s chance to showcase her ability and the progressions in her game. Froling also understands what this moment means to her. “It’s a massive chance for me. Obviously, it’s under bad circumstances, but I have to take it with both hands because they don’t come along all the time and hopefully get myself really for finals and Kelsey can come back in.”
Tomorrow, the UC Capitals will take on the Bendigo Spirit who are coming off a tough loss to Sydney last night, further pressing their place on the bottom of the ladder. “They really have nothing to lose right now and I think their players just want to prove they can play. For us, it’s a bit of a danger game. I think coming in before Christmas, sometimes you get a little bit slack so we want to make sure we’re really switched on and focused so we can do what we did to them down there [in Bendigo].”
Look forward to Keely and the Capitals to hold down their home court against the Spirit this Saturday at 5pm. To purchase tickets, click here.