Round 12 Coaches Comments – Spirit vs. Rangers

I would like to say a very Merry Christmas to everyone and welcome you all to our Bendigo Toyota Christmas round!

Tonight we celebrate over 10 years of support, both financially and in kind with Bendigo Toyota who are a proud foundation partner of Bendigo Bank Spirit. Sue and Paul DeAraugo have now supplied over twenty vehicles to the program over the journey, plus many hours of blood sweat and tears. I would like publicly thank them for the continued support they provide our club, and recognise the support they provide to the wider community and sporting landscape in Bendigo and Central Victoria.

Last week we put everything into our game when we versed Canberra, leaving it all on the floor, however, we couldn’t bring it home in the final quarter to produce a win. Our travel schedule had us back in Sydney where we played a great first half but the depth of the Flames and a lapse in the 3rd quarter made it really difficult to get back into the game. The score at half time was 43-39 with Ash Karaitana playing her best half for the season.

We allowed Alex Wilson too much space early and paid a penalty with her scoring 14 first-quarter points, however, the girls adjusted well after that. Sydney pushed us defensively after halftime and we had a lapse with possession which ultimately cost us the game. Although success is not translating on the floor, we are getting court minutes for our younger players and building their experience each week.

Dandenong are a regular rival for us and we always enjoy a battle with our Victorian opponents. We have played them in Traralgon for a 70-80 loss in the first game and at home with a 67-75 loss on December 2nd, I feel that the girls are ready this week and to put all our energies into defending them.

Let’s hear everyone cheering us home in the final quarter in what should be a fantastic contest tonight, show your support throughout the game as it makes an amazing difference to the players.

Finally, on behalf of Bendigo Stadium and the Bendigo Bank Spirit I would like to wish everyone a safe and Merry Christmas with your families. We will be back for the last game of the season on the December 31st at 2 pm for our ‘Give me five for Kids’ New Year’s Eve round. We are having a free family fun day with face painting and Zone inflatables so come along for some fun and support Bendigo Bank Spirit as they taken on Sydney Uni.