LAUREN LIGHTS IT UP IN SCORCHING SEASON OPENING WIN

A near flawless first quarter from the JCU Fire put the writing on the wall for a scorching season opening win against Canberra. The hosts dropped 41 points in the opening period, on their way to crushing the Capitals 104-68. Captain Lauren Nicholson lauded Townsville’s terrific start.

“We really set the tone and if we can come out of the blocks like that every game, I definitely won’t be mad.”

The guard dominated throughout the contest to finish with a game high 35 points.

“We were well prepared for that game, I’m happy with that but it’s a long season, so we’ve got to continue to keep that rolling.”

Steph Reid relished her role as starting point guard. Last season’s club MVP posted 13 points and dished out 14 assists. Tianna Hawkins also finished with a double double. The import scored 15 points and pulled down 12 boards. Mikaela Ruef fell one rebound short of a double double. The forward collected nine to go along with 11 points. Townsville coach Shannon Seebohm expects the front court additions to have an even bigger impact, as the season progresses.

“Once we get Tianna a bit more incorporated into what we’re doing, she’s going to be a real weapon and then Mikaela, she’s just consistent. She does exactly what you think she’s going to do and I think the more that we get used to playing together the better we’re going to get.”

He’s adamant our women will build on their dynamic display, despite producing a polished performance.

“Obviously in your first game you know things are ratty and unorganised but we’ve been working pretty hard in the pre-season on our discipline with what we’re doing and that was probably the best thing, was just to see our discipline on both sides of the ball. We stuck to our rules defensively and then we were able to execute in offence and get some really good shots. So, yeah it was a great start.”

The JCU Fire will look to make it back to back home wins when Adelaide enter the Fire Pit on Friday night.