Chargers regather for Division 2 return

SURF Coast Chargers women’s coach Stef Grayson says the goal is now clear for her side, to win Big V Division 2.

The Chargers fell one win short of its first qualification to Big V’s Division 1 after dropping both of its games last weekend with half the squad out or battling injuries, but Grayson is eager to turn the negative into a positive.

“If we had made Division 1 for the first time, it would have been huge not only for us, but the club as well, but with that not happening we now focus on pushing hard to get into finals and go for that championship in Division 2,” Grayson said.

“The girls put on really good performances last weekend, they kept their heads up high, but they’re ready to win again and ready to kick some goals for the rest of the season.”

The Chargers women’s side is enjoying the weekend off as league organisers figure out the rest of the season’s fixturing in Division 2.

The club expects to find out its first matchup out of the break early next week.

Grayson is also hopeful to have the majority of her side back to good health before the team’s return to the floor and hitting the ground running.

Surf Coast made it to the Division 2 Semi Final Series last year, but went down to Gippsland United in three games.

The side will settle for nothing less than championship glory in 2024.

Grayson has also been extremely pleased with contributions from the club’s youth league players, with several standout springing to mind over the first half of the season.

“Molly Kent is one of our regular senior players but she has really had to step up when Cortney Hollowood has been out,” she said.

“She’s really taken that role on strongly and playing efficient plays and we’re really pleased with how she’s coming along, she’s 20 years old too so she’s the youngest senior player we have.

“A couple of our youth girls have done really well have been Shania Soutar and Emma Jarvis, both of whom follow direction really well and take on feedback in a professional manner.”

Grayson also noted the work of Under 18’s player Maya Malone, who has held herself well against the older bodies in senior play.

Head to basketballvictoria.com.au/bigv/home to find out when the Chargers’ next home game is.