Wildcats Start Off the Christchurch WBC With a Big Win

3 May 2013, Cowles Stadium

An early first quarter injury to starting forward Pip Connell forced the Wildcats to use their bench, luckily bolstered due to this tournament being played at home. This didn’t cause any immediate issues, as her teammates responded by going on 7-0 run to end first quarter, 21-12.

The run didn’t stop in for the Wildcats until there was 6:15 left in the half, as the Thunder failed to score again and again, by which point the Wildcats run was 15-0.

Taranaki finally woke up  after being down 34-16, with 2:20 left in half, as they went on a 14-5 run, where Toni Schraeder hit  two three pointers, including one on the buzzer. Tessa Boagni was unfortunately the catalyst for this Taranaki run, picking up her third personal foul after being called for using her elbow to push an opponent out of the lane. This run allowed Taranaki to close the scoreline gap to single figures, going into the half down 39-30.

When checking back into the game in the third quarter, Boagni used her size and strength, to gain early post position at the rim, scoring six consecutive points for the Wildcats. This helped the Wildcats build a 23 point lead, heading into the final quarter up 63-40.

The Thunder weren’t able to close the gap in the final quarter going down quietly, with the final score sitting at 86-49. Boagni was the standout for the Wildcats, finishing with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while sending back two of the Thunder’s shots. Captain Shea Crotty made the most of her return to the court, finishing with 13 points. Connie Dick, scored 10 in her role as Crotty’s backup.

The 2-3 Wildcats will face the 4-1 Leanne Walker  led, Waikato Wizards next at 11am Saturday, who will be looking  to avenge their loss earlier today. Full stats from tonight’s game, recorded by Sharon Erwood, can be found here.