in Match Reports

Slow start proves costly for Fever

17 MAY 2022

A slow start proved costly for West Coast Fever in their top-of-the-table clash with the Melbourne Vixens at RAC Arena on Tuesday night, seeing them lose the Round 10 match-up 64-70.

Coming off a three-day break and interstate trip to the Sunshine Coast, Fever were on the back foot from the outset, falling 8-1 behind in the opening five minutes and trailing 23-14 at quarter time.

They fought hard for the remainder of the contest and won the second and third quarters, drawing to within four points late in the fourth, but couldn’t overcome a determined Vixens outfit.

Key Moments

A blistering start from the Vixens ultimately decided the outcome, with Fever unable to regain the lead despite a spirited fightback.

Three Suncorp Super Shots by Sasha Glasgow closed the margin to 4 points with only minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, but the Vixens maintained their composure and held off any hope of a comeback by continuing to score through Kumwenda.

Quarter By Quarter

1st – WCF 14 | VIX 23

The Vixens got away to a fast start, scoring the first three goals and then shutting down Fever’s avenue to goal to build an 8-1 lead in the opening five minutes. Fever settled after a timeout and went goal-for-goal with the Vixens but were unable to reduce the margin, going into quarter time 9-points down.

2nd – WCF 15 | VIX 14

Chelsea Pitman started the second term at Wing Attack and used her experience to help Fever find their way into the attacking circle. Emma Cosh then came on at Goal Attack after Glasgow fell heavily and left the court following a mid-air contest with Vixens Goal Keeper Olivia Lewis. Fever lifted their intensity and reduced the margin to 5 goals entering the power five, however the Vixens continued scoring and reinstated a 37-29 lead at half time.

3rd – WCF 18 | VIX 15

A determined Fever reduced the margin to 6 to start the third term but were unable to maintain the momentum, with deflections, loose balls and rebounds continually falling the way of the Vixens as they moved back out to a 9-point lead midway through the quarter. Fever continued fighting and a Glasgow Super Shot reduced the margin to 5 points at three-quarter time, Fever trailing 47-52.

4th – WCF 17 | VIX 18

The Vixens continued applying scoreboard pressure in the fourth quarter, increasing their lead to 8 points before a Fever timeout. A Courtney Bruce intercept as play resumed helped Fever reduce the margin to 5 but play continued going the way of the Vixens and they moved back to a 7-point lead. Three Super Shots from Glasgow reduced the margin to 4 but the Vixens wouldn’t be denied, running out 70-64 winners.