Sarah Mozley

Willetton Tigers WSBL head coach Simon Parker is proud of the way his senior players stood up in last weekend’s loss against Lakeside Lightening.

The Tigers fought hard against the reigning championship team on Saturday night, but went down 69-76.

However, there were impressive performances from senior players including captain Desiree Kelley (16pts, 6reb, 6stl), Emma Gandini (13pts, 8reb, 5ast) and Taryn Priestly (20pts, 5ast).

Parker said it was important that they set the tone for the younger players.

“Taryn had a great night out, hit some big baskets throughout the entire game, plays solid defence and as our most senior player is a fantastic on-court leader which is what our girls need most,” Parker said.

“I think it’s their time (Kelley and Gandini) as senior players now and they need to set the tone on the way we play, which they did last night,

“They are both very good defenders which flows into their offence and last Saturday was a perfect example.”

The Tigers fans turned out in strong numbers for what was their first home game for the season. 

Parker said it was an exciting opportunity for the team to perform in front of a sold-out stadium.

“There is nothing better than a home game in front of a crowd like that, the girls loved it and it definitely contributes to the way we played the game,” Parker said.

“As for me I was just happy to see the girls play like that and actually show people what we can do and how good we can be.”

The Tigers will be looking for another big turnout this Friday night for their next home game against the Kalamunda Eastern Suns.

WSBL tip-off is at 6 30pm, followed by the MSBL at 8 30pm at Willetton Basketball Stadium.