Chargers welcome “tall task” ahead of Gippsland visit

SURF Coast Chargers Big V Division 2 women’s co-coaches Dan Coles and Stef Grayson have a tall task in front of them as they hope to keep their side’s season alive this weekend.

The Chargers will make the drive to Traralgon for Games 2 (Saturday, August 12, 7pm), and possibly 3 (Sunday, August 13, 1pm), in the Semi-Finals against Gippsland United.

The Chargers fell victim to a 24-51 second half against United during Game 1 in Torquay last Saturday, ultimately going down 66-89 in the best-of-three series opener. Another loss against United would mean the end of Surf Coast’s season.

To stay alive, the Chargers would also need to grab two wins in as many days against a side that lost only once during the regular season, but Coles said it all came down to the basics.

“Our goal this week is to make Gippsland earn this series, we’re going to Gippsland to win Game 2, and from there, anything can happen.

“We know we can beat this side, it’s more of a case of proving that to ourselves, if we can get one win, it’ll provide a massive boost to this squad heading into next season.

“We still have the hunger and it’s important to remember we have nothing to lose out of this weekend, it’s the complete opposite for Gippsland and we’ve made real headway this year as a program in 2023.”

If Surf Coast is to make a series comeback, they will need co-captain Cortney Hollowood to find her rhythm.

Hollowood struggled from the field in Game 1, shooting 4-15 (26.7 per cent) from the field and 1-8 (12.5 per cent) from three-point range.

Her performance echoed a larger issue from the field, as the team managed just 36 per cent shooting compared to Gippsland’s 47.3 per cent.

Coles said he is confident his star guard can turn things around this weekend.

“I feel a little sorry for Gippsland’s guard to be honest, she will bounce back and go really hard in Game 2,” he said.

“With Alex [Trezise] back in the side, that two-pronged attack in the backcourt will also allow Jess [Scannell] to have more space to work with.

“It’ll come down to how we respond in the first quarter, the earlier we can open up the court, the more options we’ll have to produce with.”

The winner of the semi-final series will face either Wallan or Blackburn in the Grand Final.