Win takes Slammers to new heights

The Collie Crane Hire South West Slammers women’s side has notched a historic 65-43 victory over Perth in their debut WSBL play-offs appearance tonight.

The victory at the Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre means the Slammers are in the box seat to progress further in the competition, leading the best of three quarter finals series 1-0 with a return clash at the Eaton Recreation Centre this Friday night.

Import Kim Sitzmann was unstoppable for the South West side and finished the night with a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds. She also had eight steals.

Meanwhile, Valerie Ogoke (17 rebounds and 13 points) was another standout, as was Donnelle Wallam (14 points). After missing the final home-and-away fixture the previous weekend, West Coast Waves squad member Zoe Harper also returned for the South West side.

The Slammers controlled the boards on the night out-rebounding their hosts 46-28.

Scores were locked at 13-all after an even first quarter but the Slammers took control in the second term.

The visitors began to dominate the boards and edged themselves in front through some composed attacking raids to lead 26-19 at the long break.

Lisa Cartwright was tenacious around the court while, despite receiving close attention from several Redbacks opponents, Sitzmann led the scoring with 12 points to half-time.

Perth hit back in the third quarter as the South West side got into foul trouble. Mid-way through the term, the Redbacks had shaved the margin to just one point and had all the momentum.

Although, the visitors steadied and snatched some breathing space after a late seven-point scoring spree from young-gun Wallam ensuring the Slammers won the quarter and held a 43-32 three-quarter time advantage.

And while the home side fought out the match they were unable to make any headway against the near-full strength Slammers line-up, who extended their advantage at every change after quarter time.

Perth are yet to beat the South West side in their three attempts this season. The clubs will clash again at the Eaton Recreation Centre this Friday night in game two with a victory enough for the Slammers to claim the series and move into the semi-finals.

If Perth win Friday night’s contest, the sides will square off again in a third and deciding game the following evening at the Eaton Recreation Centre.