Struggling Slammers break hoodoo

Scenes of jubilation and cheering filled Eaton Recreation Centre on Sunday night when the Printsync South West Slammers women’s side won their first match of the season, defeating the Stirling Senators by four points.

The Slammers have struggled all year, but their youthful exuberance and enthusiasm had them in the match for much of the night before a composed last few minutes got them the 59-55 win.

A slow start had the Slammers on the back foot early, as the home side missed early shots and struggled to rebound.

But a three-pointer from Dena English soon woke the players and the crowd, giving life to a comeback which had the Slammers lead at the first break by five points.

Brittany Gliddon did a power of work early, while Courtney Bayliss began working well on the boards, despite giving away a lot of size to opposite number Amber Land.

Stirling were dealt an early injury blow, after Lyndal Gardener injured her right elbow in the opening minutes.

The Slammers slowed in the second quarter as Stirling began to peg back the lead, but again Bayliss rebounded strongly to keep the Slammers in the contest.

From here the second half was an up and down affair, but the Slammers kept their nerve and matched Stirling across the board.

A late lead was then protected and the Slammers went on to win their first game of 2016.

Coach Juliann Bissaker said the victory was great reward for her players, who had worked hard and improved all season.

“We have been working at it every week and we are finally getting some consistency,” she said.

“That was the key to finally getting a win.”

Bayliss finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while English was great with 13 points of her own as well as six rebounds and six assists.

Meg Ferraz also found form, scoring nine points, while Gliddon grabbed seven rebounds and scored nine points.

For Stirling, Kara Van Dyke scored 17 points and Land was excellent on the boards, grabbing 20 rebounds in a dominant display.