GAME PREVIEW: Caps seek breakthrough win against Townsville Fire
The UC Capitals return to Canberra to take on the Townsville Fire at the AIS Arena on Thursday for the WNBL’s Indigenous Round, hoping to snap their four-game losing streak after going down to the Southside Flyers on Sunday.
The Capitals where well in the competition early, battling back and forth with the Flyers in the first half. Jade Melbourne (15Pt, 7Reb, 9AST) and Chantel Horvat (18pt, 7Reb, 3AST) used their aggressiveness offensively to keep UC in the game. However, as Southside stretched their lead in the second half, the Caps’ defensive fightback in the fourth quarter was not enough to hold on, going down 98-77.
Charli Collier (12Pt, 7Reb) has slowly worked into her groove this season, playing a huge role around the rim both offensively and defensively. She has slowly climbed the WNBL leader board in rebounds, averaging 6 defensive rebounds and 8.3 rebounds per game overall.
The Townsville Fire on the other hand lost their first game of the season to the Bendigo Spirit on Saturday, dropping their win-loss record to 2-1. Townville Captain Alice Froling has had a breakout year leading total points, average points and rebounds for the season. While supporting cast Lauren Cox (13Pt, 13Reb, 3AST) and Zia Cooke (18pt, 2Reb, 3AST) has created a quick offense that has put their opponents on the back foot.
UC will also have to deal with ever consistent Abbey Ellis, who is second in the team averaging 29.3 minutes per game and producing an all-around line of 7.7ppg, 5.7rpg and 3apg.
Despite the early losses to start the season, the Capitals are slowly gaining their form leaving Head Coach Paul Goriss encouraged by their recent performances.
“I thought we competed really well for about 28 out of the 40 minutes against Southside, and for us it’s still learning on how to string that effort for 40 minutes consistently,” he said.
“I’m really mindful with this group about our growth and that we have to remain positive and see the direction ahead because it’s easy for us to look at the negatives and the losses and deem us unsuccessful but we’re really seeing successes in other areas in how we’re growing and playing, especially with our younger players.”
The team had a bit of a different build up this week, spending some time out at Mulligan’s Flat learning about the history of the Ngunnawal Country and its people. While also being presented their Indigenous Round jerseys.
“Being from Far North Queensland, it was really nice learn more about this country and I think all the girls liked it,” said Indi Bowyer.
“I love our jerseys – the pink accents are really nice and represents healing and women, and I like how it incorporates the history of the Caps and its past players into the design as well.”
University of Canberra Capitals and the Townsville Fire tip off at 6.30pm at the AIS Arena Thursday 21 November. Grab your tickets through the link here.