More than 1300 fans witnessed former New Zealand international Cathrine Tuivaiti work her magic in the goal circle, setting the Titans up for a 59-48 victory over the Bull Sharks in their first match of the season after a round one bye.
Bull Sharks' coach Rebecca Stower described the experience as an “eye-opener”, putting the loss down to a slow start.
“They put on quite the spectacle down there,” Stower said.
“I just said to the girls, ‘Get yourselves in a huddle and block it out.’ Cat (Tuivaiti) knows how to put on a show, she had all the tricks in the trick book.”
The Bull Sharks came within eight goals in the final quarter, but it was too late to compensate for their early lack of composure.
“The first quarter, such a shame, we were like a deer in the headlights,” Stower said.
“Once we settled into the game it was quite a good match-up. They (players) are happy with what they put out on court, it’s just not consistent for the full 60 minutes.”
The Titans’ impressive show sets up a tantalising round three clash against defending premiers ACU Brisbane North Cougars in what will be another massive Nissan Arena triple-header this Sunday, with six of the competition's seven teams on court from 6pm.
The Cougars remain undefeated after coming away from their road trip to UniSC Arena on the Sunshine Coast with a 52-45 victory over the Thunder, turning around an 11-goal deficit during the second quarter.
“They came out all guns blazing everywhere and were all over the top of us,” Cougars coach Liz White said.
“We were struggling to get free and find space and then we made some changes.”
Moving Queensland Firebirds training partner and Cougars captain Leesa Mi Mi from centre into wing attack was crucial to the swing in momentum.
“It was an entirely different game in the second half,” White said.
“The ball came through the middle quicker and our defence just lifted.”
Thunder coach Simone Nalatu agreed with White, labelling it a “game of two halves” as her side tightened up.
“Credit to Cougars, they made changes we didn’t respond to well enough or quick enough,” Nalatu said.
“There were lots of positives throughout the game though, defensively we were able to turn over the ball but not score from it. We need to learn not to protect a lead.”
The Cougars may be without defender Ash Burnett for this Sunday’s game against the Titans, after she rolled her ankle in the final minutes of the Sunshine Coast clash.
The Carina Leagues Club Tigers have recorded their first win of the season, wrapping up the second round with a 59-48 victory over the Brisbane South Wildcats at Nissan Arena.
It was a disappointing result for Wildcats coach Megan Lynch, considering a relatively small lapse in concentration triggered the score blow-out.
“Ten minutes in a 60 minute game is costing us,” Lynch said.
“It's decision making at critical times. It’s about recognising what’s happening, being aware and remembering the game plan. We stay positive and these kids are giving it everything.”
News Corp’s KommunityTV is streaming a weekly double-header featuring one HART Sapphire Series and one Ruby Series - the league’s second tier - game, which is exclusive for News Corp subscribers.
The full draw for the 2023 HART Sapphire Series is available here.
(Photo credit: Gold Coast Titans/Scott and Chloe Davis)
