WOMEN'S BASKETBALL - Varsity Matches 2011
Saturday 26 February 2011
The Light Blues met the Dark blues in 4 matches on home ground on Saturday 26 February, starting with the wins by the Women’s Allstars the Men’s 2nds. The following Women’s Blues and Men’s Blues games did not go as well. Below follows a report of the two women’s games.
The day started well with the Cambridge Allstars, who had only been practicing as a team for 5 weeks, trashed Oxford 2nds. Oxford scored only 3 points in the 1st half, so that the half-time score finished at 17 to 3. The Allstars, lead by Coach Blaine Landis, pressed for most of the game. Their #13 Polderdijk dominated the rebounds, earning 9 points for the home team. The top scorer, #14 guard Nezich, brought home 14 points. The Allstars’ solid passing starkly contrasted with the many dropped passes and steals endured by the Oxford Twos. Though Cambridge kept the lead throughout, Oxford pulled back slightly in the final quarter leading to a final score of 40-25 to Cambridge.
After a streak of wins, the Women’s Blues game tipped off at 3.30pm, when Oxford quickly took the lead. Cambridge, lead by Coach Amalio Fernandez-Pacheco, fought hard against this more experienced Premier League team. The Light Blues’ 4 first points were scored by #15 Walerud, after which the Light Blues continued with a strong first half. Captain K. Beniuk was on fire, scoring 13 points in the 2nd quarter alone. The zonal defence hampered Oxfords offence, while they were often caught in our offensive screens giving us open shots at the basket. #14 Smith collected free throws, driving Oxford into team fouls. At mid-2nd quarter the score was tied at 18, so that at half-time, though we were again behind by a few points, the team was hopeful of an upset win.
However the Light Blues had a slow starting 3rd Quarter, not scoring in the first 7 minutes by which time Oxford reached double the Cambridge score. This was largely helped by Oxford #11 and #15, who were pumping 3’s. In the 4th quarter Cambridge again played outstandingly, only losing by 5. Unfortunately, the 3rd quarter dip showed in the final score of 42-73. Overall it was an excellently played game on both sides, closely matched except for one quarter.
Thus a very successful day for our newly started Allstars, who will go on to become a proper Seconds team in the upcoming season, with three trainings per week from October. Their excellent performance was followed by another very well played match by the Light Blues. CUWBbC is proudly sponsored by TD Waterhouse.
Blues:
Cambridge 42 : 73 Oxford
All Stars:
Cambridge 40 : 25 Oxford
