It was a mixed weekend for Melton Thoroughbreds in Big V women’s division 2.
Looking to get two wins and move into the top five, the Thoroughbreds had two challenges ahead of them.
First up was against Coburg Giants on Saturday night, followed by Mornington Breakers on Sunday.
In the end, they split the results, recording a 76-71 win over the Giants, before falling 76-66 to the Breakers.
Thoroughbreds playing coach Lauren Olcorn said they thought both matches were winnable.
She said the biggest challenge for her side against the Giants was their new import Saule Kontautaite.
“They had a new import and it was her first time playing for them, so we didn’t know what to expect,” she said.
“She did a lot of scoring for them and was great outside the arc.
“During the game we focused on shutting her down and were able to do that and were able to get some offensive points at the other end.”
Skipper Jenna Conroy was the standout with 30 points, 11 rebounds and five steals.
Having to back it up the next day, the Thoroughbreds ran out of legs against the Breakers.
Olcorn said it was disappointing they couldn’t bring the same intensity as the night before.
She said they would work on pushing through fatigue during games and training, as well as work through their offences.
“We were very flat and fatigued and made poor decisions,” she said. “It was difficult to raise the defensive intensity.
“They wanted it more than us and we weren’t able to put the points on the board.”
Emily Attard top-scored with 15 points coming off the bench.
Olcorn said Attard had a real maturity and you wouldn’t know that she’s only 16 in her rookie season.
The mixed results leave the Thoroughbreds sitting sixth with a 4-4 record.
Olcorn said they would have liked to have been sitting in fifth spot at this time of the season.
This week they play Blackburn Vikings.
“The ladder could have looked different if we got two wins on the weekend,” Olcorn said.
“We’ve put ourselves in positions to win games, we need to find a way to play four quarters, that’s the constant battle.
“This week is a battle for that fifth spot, ahead of heading into the second half of the season.
“We’re in a good position and teams in the top five are saying they are wary of us.”
The men’s side had a 74-72 win against Coburg Giants on Saturday night.
Maluk Adut and Emmanuel Malou top scored.
