UNBEATEN in six matches, Bendigo Spirit is back on its court at Red Energy Arena for Saturday night’s Cygnett Women’s National Basketball League match against UC Capitals.<\/p>\n
The Kennedy Kereama-coached Spirit will be wary of an opponent which won 81-80 against Townsville Fire in week five at AIS Arena in Canberra.<\/p>\n
Spirit’s fighting quality was to the fore in Sunday’s match against Southside Flyers in Ballarat.<\/p>\n
A Southside team coached by Bendigo Spirit and Australian Opals legend Kristi Harrower had built an 18-point lead during the second quarter.<\/p>\n
The reigning champions were dominating at both ends of the court.<\/p>\n
Bendigo’s fightback was built on the back of the play of guard Veronica Burton who scored 20 points, won eight rebounds and seven assists.<\/p>\n
Paris Olympian and centre Marianna Tolo was also strong in attack and defence as she poured in 18 points and won 11 rebounds.<\/p>\n
Spirit also had Abbey Wehrung and Casey Samuels add 13 and 12 points on the way to a 79-71 victory.<\/p>\n
It was another milestone match for WNBL games record-holder and top guard Kelly Wilson as she played her 252nd match for Bendigo Spirit.<\/p>\n
Wilson surpassed the long-held club record of centre Gabe Richards who was a key player in Spirit’s championship wins of 2013 and 14 in which Kristi Harrower was a team-mate and Bernie Harrower was a coach.<\/p>\n
After such a brilliant run across the opening five games, Paris Olympian and guard Sami Whitcomb was kept in check by the Flyers defence as she finished on 11 points and seven rebounds.<\/p>\n
A talented UC Caps team includes Jade Melbourne, Charli Collier, Monique Bobognie and Chantel Horvat.<\/p>\n
When these clubs met in round two it was Spirit which charged to a 99-76 victory on the Capitals court.<\/p>\n
Saturday night’s match at REA in West Bendigo tips off at 7.30pm.<\/p>\n