Sydney sets sights on second straight win

December 13, 2022 | Sydney Flames news

Fresh off their first win of the WNBL23 season against Canberra, the Sydney Flames will look to carry that momentum into this week’s double-header.

First up is a trip to Bendigo on Wednesday, which will pit Shane Heal’s side against the Spirit for the third time this campaign – with the first two both being won by the round six hosts.

Sydney centre Hannah Sjerven believes her side has improved a lot since their two previous meetings with the Bendigo and heads into the clash at Red Energy Arena from 5.30pm AEDT.

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“We’ve had quite a few games so far, including the ones against Bendigo, where we seem to compete well for three out of the four quarters,” US import Sjerven said.

“It’s important that we learned from that, which we showed in Canberra – giving ourselves some confidence in our ability to play together for four quarters. 

“That’ll the key to winning games [for us this season].”

As the former Minnesota Lynx big alludes to, her team has taken plenty of confidence from their breakthrough triumph.

“The win versus Canberra is a great start [to getting back on track,” said Sjerven, whose Flames team is the youngest in the WNBL this season.

“I feel like we’re finally meshing in the ways we’ve been discussing as a team.

“I think if we can continue to improve in the same areas, we have a shot at competing in every game – when we play as a team, it’s a lot of fun.”

This campaign also represents the University of South Dakota alum’s first in Australia – which has presented a new challenge she’s embracing.

“The biggest adjustments I’ve had to make in my first season in the WNBL is in understanding my role in the team and meshing in the court with teammates,” the 24-year-old said.

“It’s been a season of growth and I’m enjoying learning more about basketball, my teammates and myself.”