Spirit hit strapsto douse Flames

BENDIGO Spirit will head into Saturday night, 8 November’s home clash against Canberra Capitals full of confidence at 2-1 off the back of a 13-point win over Sydney Flames at Red Energy Arena last Sunday.

The Spirit, led by a standout performance by gun recruit Isobel Borlase, doused the Flames 88-75.

Paris Olympian Borlase led the way before fouling out of the game late in the final quarter, finishing with 26 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals.

US import Megan McConnell produced her best game since joining the Spirit this season, tipping in 21 points, including nine from beyond the arc, rounding a solid all-round game with six assists, three rebounds and four steals.

Co-captain Marianna Tolo also shone with 18 points, six rebounds, four assists and a game-high three blocks.

The Spirit shot at 53 per cent from the field and at 43 per cent from beyond the arc.

Despite leading by only five points at quarter-time and by four at half-time, the Spirit threatened to run away with the match in both quarters when leading by double figures.

They made good on their earlier promise by putting the Flames to the sword in an imposing 30-21 third quarter to set up a 13-point lead going into the final term.

Coach Kennedy Kereama found game time for all 10 Spirit players who suited up, paving the way for a special moment for development player Catherine McGregor.

The Queensland-born forward, who spent the 2025 NBL1 season with Mount Gambier Pioneers, notched up her first WNBL points with a big three in the final minutes of the third quarter.

Borlase, who is averaging 21 points, 6.7 rebounds and four assists through the first three rounds, was thrilled to get an important win at home.

“Wins are hard to come by and I’m learning that, so I’m grateful for them all,” she said.

“For the girls to close it out like that, it was a good effort.”

The Spirit’s second win of the season followed a seven-point win over Geelong Venom on Bendigo Cup Day eve.

Particularly pleasing for the Spirit was their scoring power, after consecutive scores in the 60s in their first two games of the season, including a season-opening loss to Townsville Fire.

“Obviously our defence is what we have been working on and that’s what we have been good at, being able to stop teams,” Borlase said.

“But now it’s about putting points on the board as well.

“If we’re able to put up 88 points a game and stop teams, it’s a good place to be in.”

For the Flames, Lauren Nicholson top-scored with 27 points, while Olivia Epoupa added 10 to complement her nine rebounds and three steals.

Micah Simpson and Casey Samuels missed the Flames clash for the Spirit with respective shoulder and foot injuries.

Samuels will also miss the game against the Capitals, who were due to play Sydney last night.

Following Saturday night’s game, the Spirit will hit the road for the first time this season, playing Perth Lynx on 16 November, before backing up two nights later against Adelaide Lightning.