Lincoln University books their Women's Premier Finals Berth
LU v Pioneer WP semi by Bruce Martin
Photo Courtesy Graeme Campbell
Defending champion Lincoln University’s defence held firm as Pioneer Pacers launched a strong last five-minute challenge only for Lincoln to prevail 67-64 in a close Women’s Premier semi-final basketball encounter played in Cowles stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The game was played early as on Sunday (10th) four of the team, Connie Poletti, Caitlin Grice, Sophie Schrader and Bianca Malifa along with coach Josh Thompson leave for the FISU World 3 x 3 championships in China where their first opponent is the highly ranked Russian side. The Lincoln men's 3 x 3 team for China is James Cawthorn (captain), Ben Bowie, Ben Williams, Josiah Williams and Panashe Nyashanu (injury reserve) and Lincoln hopes to play their deferred Men’s Premier Semi-final against Checkers on their return.
After an early exchange of baskets Lincoln sneaked ahead 20-18 at the first break and after the break Canterbury Wildcat Poletti pounced with four consecutive baskets and strong rebounds at the defensive ends to push Lincoln to a 30-24 lead. After trailing 32-42 at the half-time break it was Pioneer’s turn to go on a mini run, scoring six baskets to one to take the lead by one point 45-44 but more baskets to Poletti, Maia Burry and Wildcat Fran Edmondson restored a third-quarter lead 54-47. After the break Poletti (33) led the charge for Lincoln again, extending the lead to 62-51 while Rosanna Katene (14) kept Pioneer in the hunt.
In the actioned packed last five minutes Pioneer had a chance to put the game away but missed 6 from 12 free throws while a crucial three pointer to Edmondson gave the students a break two minutes out but former Texas Longhorn Ashley Gayle (15) kept up the pressure as Pioneer closed to within three but ran out of time.
Lincoln will now meet the winner of the North Canterbury/Halswell semi-final in the Grand final on September 23rd.
Lincoln University 67 (Connie Poletti 33 points, 17 rebounds, 6 steals; Fran Edmondson 21 points, 15 rebounds) Pioneer 64 (Ashley Gayle 15 points; Rosanna Katene 14 points; Bianca Aguiar 12 points; Polly Hill 10 points) HT: 42-32
Comments
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.