Aussie U18s - Day Five
Tagged in: Athletes, National Teams
The New Zealand women came agonisingly close but ultimately short of their first win at the Australia Under-18 National Championships in Ballarat, Victoria, on Wednesday.
Despite double-doubles from Natasha Hall and Mesha Blair, the Kiwis could not capitalise on a stunning first quarter, falling to their fifth consecutive loss, as West Australia held on down the stretch, 66-63.
New Zealand led 18-9 after the first quarter but all the good early work was undone as they made three field goals from 22 attempts and were outscored 23-10 in the second period, to go into halftime down four points. Tied at 46-46 going into the fourth, NZ could not take advantage of WA Country’s eight turnovers.
Hall finished with 15 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks, Blair posted 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Jasmine Davis had 13 points and six rebounds, Awhina Karawana eight points and 10 rebounds, and Hannah Mackay 10 rebounds and three assists.
The Kiwi women face fellow winless side Tasmania in their final pool play game on Thursday morning, while the NZ men, who had the bye in round six yesterday, work double-time on day six with games against WA Country and Tasmania.
