Weekend wins over Mt Gambier and Diamond Valley have the Hoop City Geelong United Supercats inside the NBL1 South Women’s top eight for the first time in 2023.
United took down the Pioneers 85-74 at Geelong Arena on Saturday night before outlasting the Eagles at Diamond Valley on Sunday, 73-67.
The victories have improved Geelong United to 4-3 after five rounds ahead of next round’s trip to Tasmania for meetings with lower-ranked Hobart and Launceston.
Saturday’s match-up with Mt Gambier marked the return after six years of Chantel Horvat and the first appearance of Polish National Team star Agnieszka Skobel.
After trailing by two points at quarter time, United used a 28-15 second quarter to out the Pioneer at arm’s length before further consolidating their lead with a 20-14 third period.
The visitors outscored United in the final quarter, with former Supercat Isabella Brancatisano (35 points) doing much of the damage.
However, by that stage, Matt Paton’s roster had ended the match as a contest.
“The Mt Gambier game was a dangerous one for us, as they came in somewhat understrength and therefore had the freedom to play as significant underdogs,” Paton said.
“To their credit, they played very strongly for the majority of the game, but we were able to eventually get the upper hand through having a bit more depth in our roster, which is a nice change of circumstances for us.
“Integrating Agnieszka and Chantel into our system for their first game took a little while, but it was evident how much better they will each make us as a team.”
Horvat made a triumphant return with 22 points, nine rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block.
She was shaded in the points column by Eve Braslis, who finished with 23 points on 69 per cent shooting.
Skobel compiled a tidy stat line on debut, with 11 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals.
NBL1 MEN: UNITED MEN CLICK INTO GEAR
Against the Eagles, a 22-15 third quarter by United proved vital in the six-point victory.
Braslis and Horvat’s solid weekends continued. The left-hander finished with 20 points, while Horvat contributed 18 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
Ella Tofaeono was also crucial, finishing with 18 points and a game-high 13 rebounds and three blocks.
“We struggled early on but started well in the second half and maintained that momentum for the remainder of the game,” Paton said.
“Not every win is going to be pretty, but the most pleasing thing about Sunday’s game was that it showed us we are able to scrap and battle and simply find a way as a team to stay in the contest and eventually achieve a favourable result.”
