Slow start costs Venom in season opener

GEELONG Venom have gone down to Sydney Flames by eight points in their WNBL season opener at Geelong Arena on Saturday.

In their first official appearance since rebranding, a slow start proved too difficult for the Venom to claw back, going down 77-85.

The Flames came out firing in the first quarter, leading by 16 points with four minutes to play thanks to a hassling full-court press and a handful of three pointers. However, a 12-0 Venom run late in the term cut the lead back to just four points at the initial break.

Star recruit Alissa Pili went down with an ankle injury midway through the first quarter and was ruled out for the remainder of the match, leaving a gaping hole down low for the Venom.

In a second quarter to forget for the home side, Sydney scored 22 points to Geelong’s eight to jump out to an 18-point lead at the half again thanks to fierce defence and accurate shooting.

Speedy guard Lilly Rotunno pushed the pace in the third quarter for the Venom as they entered the final break with a 12-point deficit.

Despite winning the last quarter, the Flames’ lead was ultimately too large and they hung on to secure the eight-point victory.

Key import Mackenzie Holmes led the way for the Venom in her debut, posting 20 points and 11 rebounds and popping up when her side needed her. Captain Alex Sharp also put up a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Returning skipper Lauren Nicholson led from the front for the Flames with 27 points including a deep bomb on the half time siren. Geelong local Agnes Emma-Nnopu also impressed on both ends of the court in her WNBL debut.

The Venom will play at home again tomorrow (Saturday, October 25) from 3pm in Round 2 and will face the Adelaide Lightning, who went down to Perth in Round 1.