Venom drop final game of season

THE Geelong Venom have failed to finish the WNBL season with a victory, going down to the UC Capitals in a tight clash on Saturday.

After the first three quarters saw both sides neck and neck, the Capitals pulled away in the last quarter at home to hand the Venom the 67-76 loss at AIS Arena.

In the opening quarter, Geelong began strongly before the Capitals clawed back to take a seven-point quarter time lead.

The middle two quarters saw both sides trade baskets, with the margin two points at half time and one point at three quarter time.

Costly turnovers saw the Venom falter in the final quarter of their 2025/26 campaign, with a late run by the home side ultimately too much for them to come back from.

Mackenzie Holmes completed her dominant season in fine form, again leading the way with 15 points and 11 rebounds.

Shyla Heal scored 15 points herself, whilst Elissa Brett added an important 13 off the bench.

For the Capitals, Nyadiew top-scored with 17 points.

The loss sees Geelong finish sixth on the ladder with a 7-16 record, after multiple wins late in the season pushed them off the bottom.

They will now hunt for a new head coach for season 2026/27 and onwards, with Chris Lucas announcing he will not re-sign.