Posted on 30 May, 2017

The Lady Cobras got their weekend off to a dream start on Friday night, defeating the Sydney Uni Sparks on the road, 79-67, before returning home on Sunday to down the Bendigo Braves, 76-66.

Taking down a Sparks team on the road that was riding a four-game win streak and following up with a win over the then South Conference leading Braves was no small feat for Kilsyth, and Head Coach Sam Woosnam was thrilled with her team’s approach and execution over the course of the weekend.

“This was a dangerous and difficult round for us and it was very important for our season that we had a successful weekend,” Woosnam said.

“The girls applied themselves brilliantly throughout the weekend, stuck to our scout and game plan, and managed to win a pair of close, hard fought games.”

Angela Beadle led the charge for Kilsyth, earning SEABL Player of the Week honours after averaging 21.5ppg and 9.0rpg over the two games. Her 27 point night on Friday led  the Lady Cobras, while Chantella Perera and Maddie Garrick combined for 41 points and Jordyn O’Shea recorded a game-high nine assists.

The trio kept it going on Sunday, with Garrick coming up big in crunch time en-route to a game-high 23 points, while Beadle, Perera, and O’Shea combined for 42 points in the victory.

Sunday’s win was one of the Lady Cobras most impressive triumphs of the season to date, as they were able to defeat a big Bendigo lineup despite missing center Emily Fryters. Fryters sustained a knee injury early on in Friday night’s game, but Sarah Parsons (seven rebounds, five assists on Friday) and Genna Ogier (eight points, seven rebounds, four assists Sunday) more than filled the void left by their defensive anchor, helping the Lady Cobras keep 1.5 games clear for first place in the league standings.

“We couldn’t be happier with the two wins to keep a little bit of breathing space between Geelong and ourselves at the top of our (South) Conference.”

“Sunday was even more pleasing because we were able to beat a team which had two strong post players, and did so without Emily.”

Woosnam believes the reigning Defensive Player of the Year’s injury is not serious, with a timetable for her return likely clarified late this week.

“Emily saw the physio today and it looks like she is clear of any major injuries,” Woosnam said.  

“She will be assessed again on Wednesday and we should have more of a diagnosis and time frame for her recovery.”

The Lady Cobras are back on the road this Saturday as the head to Dandenong to take on the Rangers in a rematch of the past two National Championship Games. After a successful weekend, Woosnam is remaining level headed with her team’s success, and is aware of the significant task at hand on Saturday night.

“We still have a lot of work and improving to do, but we are looking forward to our next game against Dandenong.”

Tip-off for Saturday night’s game is scheduled for 5.30pm at Dandenong Basketball Stadium, with the Men to follow at 7.30pm.