UC Capitals start season with a bang

The University of Canberra Capitals have opened the 2017/18 WNBL season with a bang, maintaining a well-earned lead throughout the match against Bendigo Spirit with a 93-80 win.

The UC Capitals turned their new home at the National Convention Centre into a fortress as they kept their opening lead throughout all four quarters, much to the disadvantage of the opposition.

Abbey Werhrung started the scoring with a swift 3-pointer partnering with forwards Keely Froling and Lauren Scherf as they dominated first quarter possession. The UC Capitals raced to the lead, 22-12 at the end of the first quarter.

In her debut game, Jordan Hooper went into the halftime break on 18 points with a 6-8 shooting to help keep the UC Capitals with a 50-35 lead.

Vice captain Kate Gaze kept the crowd on their feet the entire match with speed and agility showcasing her aggressive attacking flare, although it was captain Nat Hurst who kept Bendigo Spirit hot under the collar racking up 14 assists for the evening. The UC Capitals finished the third quarter 70-61 after a late resurgence from the visitors.

Heading into the final quarter a UC Capitals win never looked in doubt with Mistie Bass connecting with Ezi Magbegor to handle the intense physicality of the last ten minutes to secure the first win of the season.

UC CAPITALS 93 (A Wehrung 22 J Hooper 18 K Gaze 14) bt

BENDIGO SPIRIT 80 (K Griffin 20 B Laney 19 N Payne 13) at the National Convention Centre.

COMPETITION WNBL 2017/18  VENUE National Convention Centre  GAME DETAILS Tip off: 7:30 pm 6/10/17  ATTENDANCE 945

Next Game: UC Capitals v MAC Adelaide Lightning, National Convention Centre Canberra. Tip-off: 3:00pm. Tickets: bit.ly/2fhQQ3t

Credit: Jaylee Ismay

Photo: 5 Foot Photography