All eyes were on Sarah Costello when she took the floor in her first game for Woodville against Sturt at the Dome. 

Costello, a former member of the Sydney Comets in the Waratah ABL, played professionally in Italy last year before returning to Australia, and will be a most welcome addition for the Warriors. 

Monique Bowley opened the scoring for the league-leading Sabres, but it was a Angela Marino, whose 11 points in the first 5 minutes included three three pointers, that set up an 9 point lead for Sturt. To make matters worse for Woodville, Costello was dazed by a hard knock to the head, causing her to be subbed out of the game, albeit momentarily.

Shortly after, Vanessa Michael picked off a pass, then finished off one of many running hooks, and when Costello made a no look feed to Lyndell Kwiatkowski for a layup, the lead was back to 6. Sturt coach Marcus Wong called a prompt timeout to steady his team, who responded by extending the lead to 12, with help from a three point play from Caroline Nixon after a sweet backdoor pass from Kate Jolly. Kwiatkowki's buzzer beating layup made for a 34-24 quarter time scoreline.

Throughout the game, Sturt did a great job of providing deep sealing post options against smaller defenders, and conversions on even half of these opportunities was enough to extend the lead. Much of it came from Hannah Bowley, who is having one of her best ever seasons, and she started the 2^nd quarter by scoring off a great seal on transition before the helpside defenders arrived. When Costello picked up her third foul, things looked bleak for Woodville. They were getting many scoring opportunities around the basket, but not converting against the taller Sabrs. A quick Warrior trap had an immediate impact, forcing two turnovers and a deflection, but Sturt maintained a 16 point lead at half time.

Woodville started well after the break, and a three pointer from Sharna Breavington reduced the lead to 10 points. The Warriors again forced turnovers with a trap, and when Jodie Barratt made a mesmerising Paul Rees-esque post move, the lead was back to 5.

A Sturt timeout produced a 18-6 run which crossed the three quarter time break, punctuated by a post move, 15' jump shot, offensive rebound and layup, all from Hannah Bowley. Christina Kokkinakis put the icing on the cake with her first ABA points from a baseline jump shot. Sturt went on to win the game 84-65.

Angela Marino blew the game open in the first quarter, and finished with 25 points at an incredible 77%. Hannah Bowley had 19 points and 10 rebounds in 20 minutes. Woodville had Brooke Sidebottom, Vanessa Michael, Brooke Gathercole and Sarah Costello in double figures. Michael also had 10 rebounds, and Costello had 6 assists.

Costello didn't have a great shooting night, but showed signs of brilliance. Expect her to take the scoring load from Jodie Barratt, and also open up opportunities for Sidebottom and Michael. Despite a couple of hiccups, Sturt were impressive in maintaining their unbeaten streak, and look every bit the reigning premiers.