MATCH: Aztec Prem 1 v Verdettes
VENUE: Fraser High, Hamilton TIME: 8.00pm
WON BY: Verdettes RESULT: 40 / 48
Aztec was looking forward to finally getting their first game of the season underway – and it showed, with a strong full team effort which enabled them to draw the first quarter.
1st quarter score: 10 – 10
Aztec did not make any changes through the first quarter, Coach Winnie Hauraki pleased with her starting line ups first quarter effort. Dannielle Steffany dominated the circle & new recruit Patria Harris worked hard to provide quality ball for her shooters.
Aztec struggled at times with their timing, an expected hiccup while new links and combinations took time to solidify, handing Verdettes the lead at half time.
½ time score: 18 – 23 Verdettes
The 3rd quarter saw Coach Hauraki make changes to bring on new comer Valentina Fesolai, regaining the team unity which went missing in the 2nd quarter. This worked a treat, with Aztec taking the 3rd quarter by 2 goals, and closing the gap to within 3 goals.
Returning defender Deidre Otene was rock solid, providing her defensive unit with plenty of turnovers to capitalise on. Shanna Coetzee worked tirelessly to regain any loose balls that came her way, and ably assisted her team mates. ¾ score: 30 – 33 Verdettes
Coach Hauraki also introduced new comer Stephanie Campbell but despite their gallant efforts Aztec was not able to achieve a win for the first game of their Super12 campaign, going down to Verdettes by 8 goals in the end.
Coach Hauraki said after the game “Really pleased at this first hit out tonight, we have a new team unit to work with this season - and I thought they did really well. The game was ours for the taking we just needed to widen our vision at times & keep our composure.”
MVP Award: Dannielle Steffany
Aztec faces fellow Counties Manukau team Mellons Bay next Friday, Rosehill College at 7.00pm.