Big Win for Monash Storm!
Check out the Tuesday's report in the Leader's about the Monash University Storm Netball Team defeating the City West Falcons.
STORM THUMPS THE FALCONS
Big win no joking matter
STORM THUMPS THE FALCONS
A CURSORY glance at the championship division results last week revealed second-bottom Monash University Storm had beaten unbeaten ladder leaders City West Falcons by four goals. Eyebrows were raised. A second glance, however, showed the date of the round was April 1. Eyebrows were lowered. But, after a bit more investigation, the result stood firm. This was no April Fool’s Day joke – the Storm had recorded the upset of the season with a 48-44 triumph.
Wednesday night’s stunner at the State Netball Hockey Centre had its roots in one of the most disappointing nights in recent Monash University history.
Just seven days ago, a scoresheet error had left the Storm a player short for 38 minutes and cost it any hope of a win against DC North-East Blaze.
“Last week, the girls found a real belief in themselves and really toughed it out,” coach Matt Hills said.
Then a midweek team meeting, with plenty of soulsearching coupled with honest appraisal of what was working and what wasn’t, had the Storm primed for an upset.
“We got it all together and got going straight away and they were probably expecting it to just happen and we gave them a rude shock,” Hills said. “We were very competitive from the get-go. I think we led 10-1 at one stage. That’s the first time (Falcons behind early) that’s happened all year.
“That was a key focus for us; we knew they’re fast starters.”
Goal shooter Janelle Lawson (32 from 41, 79 per cent) again led the scoring but the defensive efforts of Clare Pettyfor (goal defence) and Helen Barclay (goalkeeper) bankrolled the win.
In the midcourt, Alicia Janz and Lil O’Sullivan again worked tirelessly.
After climbing to seventh with the win, the Storm faces the daunting test of a clash with the secondranked Boroondara Express at SNHC this week.
The Express had a 61-51 win over Yarra Valley Grammar Ariels this week
But, until then, the Monash Uni faithful were left to enjoy a warm glow at Easter time.
“I went to bed with a smile on my face for the first time in a while,” Hills said.
