Not even another standout performance from Jade Pregelj could prevent a Queensland loss today in the Australian Women’s Championships in Adelaide.
Wednesday 8 June 2011
Logan ace Jade Pregelj continued her brilliant start to the Australian Women’s Championships with another standout performance for the Queenslanders in game two in Adelaide today.
For the second time in as many days Pregelj (pictured) was judged her side’s best, but, sadly, it wasn’t enough to get the Queenslanders over the line against a quality Western Australian effort.
They paid a high price for one bad quarter in an otherwise spirited display against one of the competition’s real powerhouse teams.
A drop-off in intensity in the second quarter cost the Queenslanders, who eventually went down 4-4 (28) to 8-10 (58).
Kicking with the aid of a strong wind in the first term, the Maroons were within a point at the first break, but by halftime they were 28 points down – 2-4 to 6-8.
Regrouping at the long break, they cut the deficit to nine points with a phenomenal third-quarter effort, before the wind took its toll in the final stanza.
Still, coaching staff were really pleased with the chasing and tackling pressure for three quarters, noting that the ability to win the hard ball got the Queenslanders right back into the game after their poor second quarter.
Pregelj, relishing the chance to play against quality opposition, was a brilliant performer for the Queenslanders for the second day in a row.
Asta Naden from South Cairns was voted second-best, from Morningside’s Emma Zielke and Kate Lutkins from Yeronga South Brisbane, who was another standout performer against WA.
Also good for the Maroons were North Cairns pair Selina Goodman and Jo Butland.
Queensland goal-kickers were Naden, Sherie Sayle of Morningside, Lauretta Dowling of Centrals Trinity Beach in Cairns, and Katie Brennan from Yeronga South Brisbane.
In other Round 2 matches today, Victoria were much too good for South Australia 10-10 (70) to 2-2 (14), ACT hammered NT 17.10 (112) to 2.0 (12), and NSW were similarly conclusive winners over Tasmania 16.14 (110) to 1.0 (6).
So, after two games, Victoria are unbeaten in division one, Queensland and WA have one win apiece, and SA are without a win. In division two, NSW have two wins, Tasmania and ACT one win, and NT are winless.
All teams will have a day off tomorrow (Thursday).
Round 3 matches on Friday will be:-
NT v NSW
VIC v QLD
ACT v TAS
SA v WA
