Our two Tall Ferns playing in Europe, Erin Rooney and Jillian Harmon were in outstanding form at the weekend both top scoring for their respective teams.
In arguably her best performance as a professional player Cantabrian point guard Erin Rooney logged a game high 38 minutes scoring 19 points and adding 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Her shooting stats were also outstanding connecting with 8 from 12 shots that included 3 from 5 threes.
Unfortunately her fine effort didn’t earn COB Calais a win as they went down 80-68 against Villeneuve D’Ascq. However this was a much-improved effort by Calais following last week’s 40 points flogging at Nantes in the first round of the French league.
Jillian Harmon put together a hugely impressive stat line of 26 points (11/15FG), 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals.
Her performance paced Le Mura Lucca to their second straight Italian League win as they defeated Parma 93-81. Lucca put together a strong 31-13 first quarter performance and was always in control thereafter.
In Australia the WNBL season got under way with four Tall Ferns in action.
Townsville Fire unfurled last season’s WNBL championship banner prior to the game against Bendigo Spirit but the visitors spoilt the celebration winning 72-64 in front of a crowd of 2,000.
Micaela Cocks scored the first points of the game with an And 1 play as the Fire built an 11 points advantage before the Spirit reeled in the defending champions. Cocks went on to record 13 points (5/10Fg) and Chevannah Paalvast, on debut, scored with her only shot of the game.
Also on debut was Jess Bygate, the Tall Ferns forward scored 11 points (4/10FG), for the Adelaide Lightning – defeated 94-72 by Melbourne Boomers.
Better news further west as Toni Edmondson appeared in the starting five for the Perth Lynx. Edmondson had a handy 6pts/2rebs/4assists as the Lynx began their campaign with an 81-70 win against Sydney University Flames.
The Lynx trailed at half time but a 29-18 third quarter dominated by the hosts turned the game in favour of the red and blacks.
LACEY LOWDOWN 