Submitted by Ashley Edwards on Mon, 22/10/2018 - 15:36
Blues ready to work after loss in their season opener in Nottingham
17.10.2018 by Cristina Gomez
Final Result: 77-43
Location: Nottingham
Squad: Carla Rios, Cristina Gomez, Mie Monti, Claire McGegor, Drew Chateau, Saffron Hicks, Annie Lyons, Becky Illingworth, Aicha Massrali, Nadya Pohran, Nicola Duffy
Knowing that Nottingham are the favourites to win the BUCS Midlands 1A League this year, the Blues were ready for tough game that would test the new squad to their limits. A shaky start which resulted in a number of turn overs put the Blues down for the first couple of minutes but they quickly gathered themselves and managed to get back in the game, finishing the first quarter only 6 points down at 16-10. Point-guard Mie Monti was key in the initial 10 minutes, with strong drives to the basket that put Nottingham in foul trouble early in the game.
In the second quarter, the hosts outscored the Blues 20-12, thanks to some excellent 3-point shooting that gave them a comfortable lead for most of the period. Nonetheless, the Blues teamwork paid-off as all 4 of the 5 players on the floor added to the score in this quarter, keeping Nottingham at a reachable 14 points.
However, coming into the second half of the game, Nottingham stepped up their defence, overplaying the passing lanes and getting those valuable steals that ended up in easy fast break points. The Blues' short pre-season was hard felt at this point, as it became clear that their hosts were physically superior. Only Claire McGregor was able to keep the Blues' score climbing, with 8 points in the quarter.
Knowing that it was unlikely for the Blues to win this game, they still showed great character, playing their best so far in the final 4th quarter. Allowing Nottingham only 14 points and scoring 13 themselves, the Blues finished the game strong. Shout-out to Nadya Pohran, Becky Illingworth and Drew Chateau for their big play under the basket.
With training on Thursday evening, the team is ready to work and come back stronger for their next game against Loughborough 2nds.