Garbin named to World Uni Games team

JCU Townsville Fire championship winner Darcee Garbin will spearhead Australia’s assault at the World University Games after being named in a 12-player squad tonight. The James Cook University student, who is currently studying a Bachelor of Business majoring in sport and event management, will compete in Chinese Taipei from August 19 to 30 after contesting the 2015 edition of the tournament. Joining Garbin in the Australian squad is former Fire players Keely Froling and Ally Wilson, along with WNBL opponents Lauren Scherf, Tahlia Tupaea and Abbey Wehrung. Dual championship winning coach Chris Lucas will lead the team, with the support of Bendigo’s Simon Pritchard and Opals legend Kristen Veal. “It’s always an honour to represent your country,” Garbin said. “Australia has enjoyed strong success at the World Uni Games, and after finishing fifth in 2015, I’d love to bring back a medal on this occasion. “It should be a great experience.” Australia has been drawn into Group D where they will face Russia (2015 bronze medallists), Lithuania and Argentina in the pool stage. Winners of the past four gold medals, the USA will also be competing at the tournament alongside Canada (2015 silver medallist) as well as China and Japan. World University Games squad: Keely Froling, Darcee Garbin, Megan McKay, Vanessa Panousis, Lauren Scherf, Alex Sharp, Alanna Smith, Tahlia Tupaea, Carly Turner, Kristy Wallace, Abbey Wehrung and Ally Wilson. The 2017 Emerging Opals Schedule (all times AEST): August 21: Australia vs. Lithuania at 10pm August 22: Australia vs. Argentina at 7.30pm August 23: Australia vs. Russia at 2.30pm August 25: Quarter-Finals August 26: Semi-Finals August 28: Grand Final