Division 1 Women's Match Report
TSK PICK UP CONVINCING VICTORY OVER BARKING ABBEY
Image Courtesy | Mirror Box Studios
After a weekend break TSK Division 1 women were back in action at home to take on East London based Barking Abbey in the Division 1 Championship. Barking entered the contest 2-6 and sitting 9th in the ten team league versus a Kestrels team with some solid results in recent weeks. However, games are never won on paper and TSK would be required to show some resolve to get this one over the line.
TSK scored first with a long-range bomb from behind the three-point line, before barking opened their account with a drive to the basket from No. 15 Annim. What followed was a bizarre 4-minutes in which neither team could hit a basket, until Eloise Sneddon hit another 3-pointer for the Kestrels, bringing the score to 6-3 after 5-minutes of play. Suddenly the Kestrels found some rhythm, hitting with impunity from the inside through Kurkowski and another outside shot from Sneddon. When Gomez got fouled and hit all three free-throws, the Kestrels had a 16-7 lead. Despite consecutive scores from No. 6 Sheaia, it was the Kestrels who dominated the first stanza of the game, finishing the quarter 23-14.
However, the second period was a very different affair in which a low scoring quarter was dominated by Barking. Whilst Barking made adjustments at the defensive end, the Kestrels struggled to find the basket, often settling for early mid-range and perimeter jump-shots. Barking’s No.14, Pawalta, was the high-scorer for the period with 6-points. Despite their scoring woes, TSK finished the half with a 5-point lead, 30-25.
In the third TSK remained passive on offence, despite an early points from Kestrels’s starting-centre, Earleesha Jackson, who would score six of her 18-points total in the quarter. However, a comprehensive defensive performance limited Barking to just 7-quarter points, subsequently stretching the Kestrels’ advantage to 13-points.
After three relatively subdued quarters of basketball, the Kestrels came alive in the fourth. Andrea Kurkowski got things started with a close range jump-shot, quickly followed by Gomez, attacking the basket to extend the lead to 17-points. Barking’s Annim got fouled and hit one of two from the line, but the Kestrel’s shooting guard, Chiara Di Stefano, hit back with a contested jump-shot to make the lead 18-points. Di Stefano’s 9-points and 5 assists in the quarter might have been the story of the quarter, had Gomez not put on a show for her team and the fans. With 6-minutes to play, Gomez hit the first of four consecutive 3-pointers to pace all scorers and reach a game high 27-points for the game. When Di-Stefano stole the ball and made a buzzer beating lay-up to end the game, the Kestrels had scored 39-points fourth-quarter points in an upside down win, 84-44.
After the game Coach Lee was relieved to seal the win, saying, “We’ve talked a lot about how these types of games can be dangerous for a team’s momentum. We played very loose in the early going and didn’t respond well to Barking’s defence. For a team with our aspirations to score just 7-points in a quarter isn’t good. The last quarter demonstrated how when we commit at the defensive end, and move the ball, good things will happen.”
Game leaders:-
Team Solent Kestrels: G. Gomez 27, E. Jackson 18, Di Stefano 11
Barking Abbey: P. Pawalta 12, E. Osilija 11, L. Annim 9
TSK scored first with a long-range bomb from behind the three-point line, before barking opened their account with a drive to the basket from No. 15 Annim. What followed was a bizarre 4-minutes in which neither team could hit a basket, until Eloise Sneddon hit another 3-pointer for the Kestrels, bringing the score to 6-3 after 5-minutes of play. Suddenly the Kestrels found some rhythm, hitting with impunity from the inside through Kurkowski and another outside shot from Sneddon. When Gomez got fouled and hit all three free-throws, the Kestrels had a 16-7 lead. Despite consecutive scores from No. 6 Sheaia, it was the Kestrels who dominated the first stanza of the game, finishing the quarter 23-14.
However, the second period was a very different affair in which a low scoring quarter was dominated by Barking. Whilst Barking made adjustments at the defensive end, the Kestrels struggled to find the basket, often settling for early mid-range and perimeter jump-shots. Barking’s No.14, Pawalta, was the high-scorer for the period with 6-points. Despite their scoring woes, TSK finished the half with a 5-point lead, 30-25.
In the third TSK remained passive on offence, despite an early points from Kestrels’s starting-centre, Earleesha Jackson, who would score six of her 18-points total in the quarter. However, a comprehensive defensive performance limited Barking to just 7-quarter points, subsequently stretching the Kestrels’ advantage to 13-points.
After three relatively subdued quarters of basketball, the Kestrels came alive in the fourth. Andrea Kurkowski got things started with a close range jump-shot, quickly followed by Gomez, attacking the basket to extend the lead to 17-points. Barking’s Annim got fouled and hit one of two from the line, but the Kestrel’s shooting guard, Chiara Di Stefano, hit back with a contested jump-shot to make the lead 18-points. Di Stefano’s 9-points and 5 assists in the quarter might have been the story of the quarter, had Gomez not put on a show for her team and the fans. With 6-minutes to play, Gomez hit the first of four consecutive 3-pointers to pace all scorers and reach a game high 27-points for the game. When Di-Stefano stole the ball and made a buzzer beating lay-up to end the game, the Kestrels had scored 39-points fourth-quarter points in an upside down win, 84-44.
After the game Coach Lee was relieved to seal the win, saying, “We’ve talked a lot about how these types of games can be dangerous for a team’s momentum. We played very loose in the early going and didn’t respond well to Barking’s defence. For a team with our aspirations to score just 7-points in a quarter isn’t good. The last quarter demonstrated how when we commit at the defensive end, and move the ball, good things will happen.”
Game leaders:-
Team Solent Kestrels: G. Gomez 27, E. Jackson 18, Di Stefano 11
Barking Abbey: P. Pawalta 12, E. Osilija 11, L. Annim 9
KESTRELS BOOK SEMI FINAL TICKET WITH BIG WIN OVER BIRMINGHAM
TSK Division 1 women played their second home game of the weekend, this time in the National Cup Quarter Finals. Team Birmingham Elite (TBE) made the trip from the Midlands, after losing the previous day to Loughborough. Conversely, TSK were coming off a win, the day before, to Southwark in the WNBL D1, having moved into second place, behind Bristol Academy Flyers.
Team Birmingham scored first with a jump-shot from Number 11, Cooper. However, the home team responded quickly, going on a 14-point run. Gomez got the home team started with four of the starters scoring, before Lucie Woellenstein came off the bench to make an immediate impact, giving TSK a 14-point lead. However, the combination of TBE’s Brindley and Cooper finished the quarter strong. The pair combined to score all fifteen of Birmingham’s first quarter points. The quarter ended, 20-15.
The front-court combo of Jackson and Kurkowski punished the visitors on the inside, combining for the first six TSK points of the second period. After both Gomez and Jackson got to the line by the middle of the quarter, TSK were up by 13, but Rebecca Brindley’s 11- points for the quarter kept the visitors in contention, and cut the deficit to just 11-points at the half. The half-time score was 44-33.
Whilst both teams struggled to find the basket in the early going, a 2-point bucket from Gomez broke the seal. Shooting-Guard, Eloise Sneddon hit a big 3-point bomb, followed by quick baskets from Andrea Kurkowski, Earla Jackson and another 3-pointer from Kristina Karpova. All in all, TSK went on a 13-point run and held a 20-point lead, before TBE scored a bucket from Salmon. Karpova would score 7-points in the quarter, whilst TBE could only manage 10-points combined. TSK took an almost unassailable 22-point lead to finish the period, 65-43.
The final quarter saw the visitors finally find some offensive focus, sparked once again by Brindley who scored a further three of her game-high, 20-points. However, it was the home team that finished strongest with buckets from Curson, Jerram, Cante, Kurkowski, Karpova, Jackson and Velkey to close the period, 88-60.
“Today was a very solid performance, particularly after a tough game yesterday. Everyone showed-up this weekend and played their role well. As a team I feel like we took a really positive step forwards in moving the ball and finding each other. At the defensive end we played together and made adjustments, so I’m looking forward to a productive practice this week and we should all be pleased with our production this weekend.” Commented Coach CJ Lee.
Game leaders:-
Team Solent Kestrels: E. Jackson 18, A. Kurkowski 15, K.Velkey 14
Team Birmingham Elite: R. Brindley 20, J. Copper 18, G. Salmon 9
Team Birmingham scored first with a jump-shot from Number 11, Cooper. However, the home team responded quickly, going on a 14-point run. Gomez got the home team started with four of the starters scoring, before Lucie Woellenstein came off the bench to make an immediate impact, giving TSK a 14-point lead. However, the combination of TBE’s Brindley and Cooper finished the quarter strong. The pair combined to score all fifteen of Birmingham’s first quarter points. The quarter ended, 20-15.
The front-court combo of Jackson and Kurkowski punished the visitors on the inside, combining for the first six TSK points of the second period. After both Gomez and Jackson got to the line by the middle of the quarter, TSK were up by 13, but Rebecca Brindley’s 11- points for the quarter kept the visitors in contention, and cut the deficit to just 11-points at the half. The half-time score was 44-33.
Whilst both teams struggled to find the basket in the early going, a 2-point bucket from Gomez broke the seal. Shooting-Guard, Eloise Sneddon hit a big 3-point bomb, followed by quick baskets from Andrea Kurkowski, Earla Jackson and another 3-pointer from Kristina Karpova. All in all, TSK went on a 13-point run and held a 20-point lead, before TBE scored a bucket from Salmon. Karpova would score 7-points in the quarter, whilst TBE could only manage 10-points combined. TSK took an almost unassailable 22-point lead to finish the period, 65-43.
The final quarter saw the visitors finally find some offensive focus, sparked once again by Brindley who scored a further three of her game-high, 20-points. However, it was the home team that finished strongest with buckets from Curson, Jerram, Cante, Kurkowski, Karpova, Jackson and Velkey to close the period, 88-60.
“Today was a very solid performance, particularly after a tough game yesterday. Everyone showed-up this weekend and played their role well. As a team I feel like we took a really positive step forwards in moving the ball and finding each other. At the defensive end we played together and made adjustments, so I’m looking forward to a productive practice this week and we should all be pleased with our production this weekend.” Commented Coach CJ Lee.
Game leaders:-
Team Solent Kestrels: E. Jackson 18, A. Kurkowski 15, K.Velkey 14
Team Birmingham Elite: R. Brindley 20, J. Copper 18, G. Salmon 9
TSK GET BACK TO WINNING WAYS AS THEY SEE OFF PRIDE
TSK Division 1 women were back at home this weekend to take on visiting Southwark Pride in the Division 1 Championship. Southwark were sitting in third, one place above the Kestrels, so the game was set to juggle or cement places based on the result.
Both teams came out firing with Krisztina Velkey getting off the mark first with a 2-point jump shot. Southwark responded quickly through Sarkodee-Adoo, but it was the Kestrels who looked the more focussed. In fact, all five starters scored in the period as Kestrels pushed the ball in transition and moved the ball with impunity, sparking a 16-4 run. Southwark regrouped and buckets from Sarkodee-Adoo, Sandie, Haines and Hyacienth got them to a total of 14 points for the quarter, but some superb 3-point shooting from Melanie Curson, who went 2 for 2 from behind the arc, gave the home team a 27-14 lead to end the first quarter.
The second quarter was a much tighter affair with both teams making adjustments at the defensive end. Southwark jumped the pick and roll, which all but extinguished the Kestrels ball movement. The Kestrels defence also worked hard to limit Southwark to contested perimeter shooting. After 4-minutes of play each team had only scored 2-points. The quarter ending largely in a stalemate, with Southwark taking a minor advantage, eventually scoring 14-points, whilst the Kestrels could only manage twelve. Half-time score 39-28.
In the third quarter the TSK re-found their rhythm on offence. The starting combo of Gomez and Velkey came out with renewed purpose, combing for twelve of the Kestrels seventeen quarter points. Southwark equally benefited from some inside scoring from Number 12, Watkins, whilst Sandie provided some much needed perimeter balance. TSK held onto a 14-point lead to finish the quarter, 56-42 ahead.
Southwark are not a team to lie down and roll over and took their defensive intensity to another level in fourth. With 3:18 remaining the Kestrels still had a 12-point lead, when Velkey fouled Sandie, who obliged by hitting both free throws, then stealing the ball back on the inbounds and scoring another two. Earla Jackson scored a two at the other end, to put the home team back ahead by nine, but seven quick points from Southwark reduced that lead to just two, before Gomez’s assist to Jackson gave her another score to add to her 14 points and seal the win for the home team.
After the game Coach Lee was pleased with the performance, saying “We’ve been working hard on creating easier baskets and upping our productivity from key players. We did that today with some really balanced scoring and improved communication at the defensive end. The bench did a great job today and played some crucial minutes, so we’re ready for tomorrow’s cup game.”
Game leaders:-
Team Solent Kestrels: G. Gomez 15, K.Velkey 14, E. Jackson 14
Southwark Pride: A. Sandie 22, E. Oluade 14, A. Watkins 10
Both teams came out firing with Krisztina Velkey getting off the mark first with a 2-point jump shot. Southwark responded quickly through Sarkodee-Adoo, but it was the Kestrels who looked the more focussed. In fact, all five starters scored in the period as Kestrels pushed the ball in transition and moved the ball with impunity, sparking a 16-4 run. Southwark regrouped and buckets from Sarkodee-Adoo, Sandie, Haines and Hyacienth got them to a total of 14 points for the quarter, but some superb 3-point shooting from Melanie Curson, who went 2 for 2 from behind the arc, gave the home team a 27-14 lead to end the first quarter.
The second quarter was a much tighter affair with both teams making adjustments at the defensive end. Southwark jumped the pick and roll, which all but extinguished the Kestrels ball movement. The Kestrels defence also worked hard to limit Southwark to contested perimeter shooting. After 4-minutes of play each team had only scored 2-points. The quarter ending largely in a stalemate, with Southwark taking a minor advantage, eventually scoring 14-points, whilst the Kestrels could only manage twelve. Half-time score 39-28.
In the third quarter the TSK re-found their rhythm on offence. The starting combo of Gomez and Velkey came out with renewed purpose, combing for twelve of the Kestrels seventeen quarter points. Southwark equally benefited from some inside scoring from Number 12, Watkins, whilst Sandie provided some much needed perimeter balance. TSK held onto a 14-point lead to finish the quarter, 56-42 ahead.
Southwark are not a team to lie down and roll over and took their defensive intensity to another level in fourth. With 3:18 remaining the Kestrels still had a 12-point lead, when Velkey fouled Sandie, who obliged by hitting both free throws, then stealing the ball back on the inbounds and scoring another two. Earla Jackson scored a two at the other end, to put the home team back ahead by nine, but seven quick points from Southwark reduced that lead to just two, before Gomez’s assist to Jackson gave her another score to add to her 14 points and seal the win for the home team.
After the game Coach Lee was pleased with the performance, saying “We’ve been working hard on creating easier baskets and upping our productivity from key players. We did that today with some really balanced scoring and improved communication at the defensive end. The bench did a great job today and played some crucial minutes, so we’re ready for tomorrow’s cup game.”
Game leaders:-
Team Solent Kestrels: G. Gomez 15, K.Velkey 14, E. Jackson 14
Southwark Pride: A. Sandie 22, E. Oluade 14, A. Watkins 10
NARROW LOSS ON THE ROAD FOR TSK IN CAMBRIDGE
Image Courtesy | Luke Simcock (lsmedia)
After an unplanned hiatus for the start of November, Team Solent Kestrels Women were back on the road on Saturday 10th November 2018. TSK travelled to Cambridge to face-off against last year’s Play-Off Champions, Anglia Ruskin University. Both teams entered the contest off the back of solid performances in October, so this was shaping to be a great contest from the outset.
Both teams came out firing with Anglia getting off the mark first with a 3-point bomb from Maddaloni. The Kestrels responded in-kind with points from Gomez, Velkey and Kurkowski. TSK would take a small lead midway in the quarter, but Anglia’s Number 4, Koutsourelaki, hit two big threes in the quarter keeping the home team in close contention. It was, however, Gomez who would hit a three of her own and a 2-point jump shot to close out the quarter, 21-20 to the Kestrels.
In the second quarter both teams made adjustments at the defensive end and the game became a back and forth affair. ARU guard Nadege Talva scored 7 of her game high, 28 points, but this was off-set by TSK’s Centre, Earlesha Jackson, who scored 6-points in the quarter, ably assisted by contributions from Velkey and Gomez and topped off by a late 3- pointer from Kristina Karpova. Whilst the quarter had proffered 15-points for both teams, it was Ruskin that looked the more connected and fluid on offence.
At the start of the second-half Anglia came out on fire and went on an 8-0 run, quickly extinguishing the Kestrels meagre half-time lead. Coach Lee, called a time-out and reminded his players to commit on the defensive end, whilst playing with more composure on offence. Anglia scored again through Talva, taking a 9-point lead before Krisztina Velkey restored balance with a strong drive to the basketball and got fouled, which resulted in a made basket and one. Geena Gomez followed suit, scoring a further 7 and sparking a 10-4 run in favour of the Kestrels, who ended the quarter, 51-49 ahead.
Both teams played with determination in the final quarter. The Kestrels forced Anglia into several mistakes through their pressure. Not to be outdone Anglia’s number 15, Treadwell, came to to the hosts rescue, scoring 10-points in the quarter that not only kept them in contention, but ultimately turned the tide for the home team. Despite having several opportunities to close out the contest, the Kestrels fell short in the closest of fought match ups so far this year. Anglia Ruskin took the first of two meetings, 70-73.
Despite the loss, Coach Lee was in philosophical mood after the game; “I don’t like losing, but we will learn a lot about ourselves from today’s game. We had chances to win and you can’t ask for more than that. We didn’t play well in the first half, but remained in the game down the stretch, so I know we’ll be better next time out.”
Game leaders:-
Anglia Ruskin University: N. Talva 28, N. Treadwell 24
Team Solent Kestrels: G. Gomez 24, K.Velkey 10, A.Kurkowski 9, K.Karpova 9
Both teams came out firing with Anglia getting off the mark first with a 3-point bomb from Maddaloni. The Kestrels responded in-kind with points from Gomez, Velkey and Kurkowski. TSK would take a small lead midway in the quarter, but Anglia’s Number 4, Koutsourelaki, hit two big threes in the quarter keeping the home team in close contention. It was, however, Gomez who would hit a three of her own and a 2-point jump shot to close out the quarter, 21-20 to the Kestrels.
In the second quarter both teams made adjustments at the defensive end and the game became a back and forth affair. ARU guard Nadege Talva scored 7 of her game high, 28 points, but this was off-set by TSK’s Centre, Earlesha Jackson, who scored 6-points in the quarter, ably assisted by contributions from Velkey and Gomez and topped off by a late 3- pointer from Kristina Karpova. Whilst the quarter had proffered 15-points for both teams, it was Ruskin that looked the more connected and fluid on offence.
At the start of the second-half Anglia came out on fire and went on an 8-0 run, quickly extinguishing the Kestrels meagre half-time lead. Coach Lee, called a time-out and reminded his players to commit on the defensive end, whilst playing with more composure on offence. Anglia scored again through Talva, taking a 9-point lead before Krisztina Velkey restored balance with a strong drive to the basketball and got fouled, which resulted in a made basket and one. Geena Gomez followed suit, scoring a further 7 and sparking a 10-4 run in favour of the Kestrels, who ended the quarter, 51-49 ahead.
Both teams played with determination in the final quarter. The Kestrels forced Anglia into several mistakes through their pressure. Not to be outdone Anglia’s number 15, Treadwell, came to to the hosts rescue, scoring 10-points in the quarter that not only kept them in contention, but ultimately turned the tide for the home team. Despite having several opportunities to close out the contest, the Kestrels fell short in the closest of fought match ups so far this year. Anglia Ruskin took the first of two meetings, 70-73.
Despite the loss, Coach Lee was in philosophical mood after the game; “I don’t like losing, but we will learn a lot about ourselves from today’s game. We had chances to win and you can’t ask for more than that. We didn’t play well in the first half, but remained in the game down the stretch, so I know we’ll be better next time out.”
Game leaders:-
Anglia Ruskin University: N. Talva 28, N. Treadwell 24
Team Solent Kestrels: G. Gomez 24, K.Velkey 10, A.Kurkowski 9, K.Karpova 9
TSK BOOK SPOT IN QUARTER FINALS AFTER NOTTINGHAM WIN
Team Solent Kestrels Women were back in action in the 2nd Round of the National Cup on Saturday 27th October 2018. A near 4-hour road trip almost resulted in an abandonment when the home team, Nottingham Trent University, couldn’t find their licence cards. Thanks to the combined efforts of the officials and our own Performance Analyst, Cliff Fullbrook, the pre- game drama was resolved just minutes before the 7:30pm tip-time and the game got underway.
Both teams looked rusty in the early going, with several missed shots from close-range. The home team drew first blood with a made basket through Richardson. Kestrels Captain, Melanie Dell, levelled the score which settled the team with buckets from Earla Jackson, Andrea Kurkowski and Geena Gomez in quick succession, sparking a 20-5 run. However, it was the Nottingham outfit that finished the quarter the stronger, going on a 6-0 run to end the period, TSK up 22-13.
The second quarter was a back and forth affair, with both teams showing a mixture of laxity and tenacity. Nottingham attacked the Kestrels defence on the interior, despite being the smaller team, Power Forward Musson created some serious match-up problems for the Kestrels, as they struggled to keep bodies between the opposing players and the basket. At the opposite end, the Kestrels continued their trade mark inside-out attack with points from Kristina Karpova, Jodi Jerram on the outside and Lucie Wöellenstein and Melanie Dell on the interior. The Kestrel’s weathered Nottingham’s fightback, extending their led by just 1-point. Half-time score, 36-26.
Coach Lee’s half-time talk centred around focus and composure at the offensive end and urgency at the defensive end. The team responded in kind, holding the home team to 11 points, going on a 17-2 run and extinguishing any chances of a NTU comeback. The Kestrels bench provided some intensity at both ends of the floor with Karpova showing a return to form, after a week away from the team. End of the 3rd score, 59-37.
In the final quarter, Nottingham continued to play with determination, but despite the heroic efforts of starting guard Gray, who scored almost half of the team’s total with 24 points, the home team could do little to reduce the deficit. Though they would score another 14-points in the 4th, the pressure of the Kestrel’s full-court pressure proved too much for the Nottingham team. When Chiara Di Stefano hit a jump-shot early in the quarter, nine of the Kestrel’s players had scored in a game which was all but over by the middle of the third quarter. Final score, 81-53.
Coach Lee said after the game, “I think the combination of the long drive and late tip time really affected our energy at the start of the game. Nottingham came at us hard, but as well as they played I think we looked like a team that has been playing together a little longer. Defensively we broke the game open in 3rd, which bodes well for future contests.”
TSK will play host to Team Birmingham Elite at St. Mary’s Leisure Centre on Sunday 18th November 2018 in the Quarter Finals.
Game leaders:-
Team Solent Kestrels: G. Gomez 25, K. Karpova 10, A. Kurkowski 9
Nottingham Trent University: V. Gray 24, F. Musson 11, B. O’Neill 8
Both teams looked rusty in the early going, with several missed shots from close-range. The home team drew first blood with a made basket through Richardson. Kestrels Captain, Melanie Dell, levelled the score which settled the team with buckets from Earla Jackson, Andrea Kurkowski and Geena Gomez in quick succession, sparking a 20-5 run. However, it was the Nottingham outfit that finished the quarter the stronger, going on a 6-0 run to end the period, TSK up 22-13.
The second quarter was a back and forth affair, with both teams showing a mixture of laxity and tenacity. Nottingham attacked the Kestrels defence on the interior, despite being the smaller team, Power Forward Musson created some serious match-up problems for the Kestrels, as they struggled to keep bodies between the opposing players and the basket. At the opposite end, the Kestrels continued their trade mark inside-out attack with points from Kristina Karpova, Jodi Jerram on the outside and Lucie Wöellenstein and Melanie Dell on the interior. The Kestrel’s weathered Nottingham’s fightback, extending their led by just 1-point. Half-time score, 36-26.
Coach Lee’s half-time talk centred around focus and composure at the offensive end and urgency at the defensive end. The team responded in kind, holding the home team to 11 points, going on a 17-2 run and extinguishing any chances of a NTU comeback. The Kestrels bench provided some intensity at both ends of the floor with Karpova showing a return to form, after a week away from the team. End of the 3rd score, 59-37.
In the final quarter, Nottingham continued to play with determination, but despite the heroic efforts of starting guard Gray, who scored almost half of the team’s total with 24 points, the home team could do little to reduce the deficit. Though they would score another 14-points in the 4th, the pressure of the Kestrel’s full-court pressure proved too much for the Nottingham team. When Chiara Di Stefano hit a jump-shot early in the quarter, nine of the Kestrel’s players had scored in a game which was all but over by the middle of the third quarter. Final score, 81-53.
Coach Lee said after the game, “I think the combination of the long drive and late tip time really affected our energy at the start of the game. Nottingham came at us hard, but as well as they played I think we looked like a team that has been playing together a little longer. Defensively we broke the game open in 3rd, which bodes well for future contests.”
TSK will play host to Team Birmingham Elite at St. Mary’s Leisure Centre on Sunday 18th November 2018 in the Quarter Finals.
Game leaders:-
Team Solent Kestrels: G. Gomez 25, K. Karpova 10, A. Kurkowski 9
Nottingham Trent University: V. Gray 24, F. Musson 11, B. O’Neill 8
KESTRELS STIFLE RIDERS TO TAKE VICTORY AT HOME
Team Solent Kestrels Women were back at home on Saturday 20th Octobe 2018, playing host to the East Midlands based, Loughborough Student Riders. The Riders entered the game in great form, after beating Southwark Pride and Oxford Brookes in the early weeks of the season. The Kestrels were also coming into the game off the back of consecutive wins in the past couple of weeks.
The game started at whirlwind pace with the Riders getting off the mark first with a jump- shot from Holly Wright, quickly followed by a mid-range bucket from Kestrel’s American guard, Geena Gomez. Kestrels continued to attack the hoop with baskets from Krisztina Velkey and Gomez, whilst Eloise Sneddon kept the Riders’ defence honest by scoring from the outside. The Kestrels enjoyed a 6-point lead before the visitors found their rhythm, attacking the mid-range, with Dawson coming off the bench and scoring a quick 4-points. However, it was the Kestrels who looked the more convincing in the first quarter, led by 8-points from Velkey, pushing the hosts ahead, 19-12.
In the second quarter, the Kestrels defence went into high-gear, protecting the paint and limiting the opposition’s attack to the mid-range and 3-point line. Despite an early 3-pointer from Rider’s Lauren Saa, the visitors struggled to find their range from the perimeter. The Kestrels too were not firing on full throttle, but some good phases of ball movement allowed the Kestrels to get contributions from their bench with Jerram, Karpova and Wöellenstein coming into the game and making solid contributions. The Riders were held to just 7-points in the quarter, whilst the Kestrels added a further 11-points, to go into the half, 31-19.
In the second half the Riders defence went into overdrive, creating panic for the Kestrels offence, which until this point had looked patient and decisive. The Riders began to set the tempo which triggered their offensive production. Despite early back-to-back threes from Gomez, it was the Riders that went on a 6-point run to end the period, down by 14 at the end of the quarter.
After making some adjustments in the break the Kestrels went to work at both ends of the floor. TSK’s offensive production was given a boost by Andrea Kurkowski, who scored eight of her game high 20-points in the early part of the quarter. With a lead as big as 25-points in the fourth, Kestrels had contributions from all 12 players. Despite a late run by the Riders, with Lauren France scoring all 11 of her points, the game was ultimately dominated by a gritty defensive performance and a balanced inside-out attack that prevented the Riders from establishing their trademark run n gun style play.
Coach Lee was pleased after the game, saying “We’ve spent a really focussed week on our defensive principles and communication. We have a roster tailor-made to be a real defensive presence and I feel today’s result is a testament to how good we can be at the defensive end. Offensively, we had some big performances, particularly from the inside, which is great considering we were missing one of our regular starters. It’s nice to be back at the top of the table, but the season is long and we still have plenty of work to do.”
Game Leaders:-
Team Solent Kestrels: A. Kurkowski 20, G. Gomez 17, K. Velkey 10,
Loughborough Riders: H. Dawson 12, L. France 11, H. Davies 6
The game started at whirlwind pace with the Riders getting off the mark first with a jump- shot from Holly Wright, quickly followed by a mid-range bucket from Kestrel’s American guard, Geena Gomez. Kestrels continued to attack the hoop with baskets from Krisztina Velkey and Gomez, whilst Eloise Sneddon kept the Riders’ defence honest by scoring from the outside. The Kestrels enjoyed a 6-point lead before the visitors found their rhythm, attacking the mid-range, with Dawson coming off the bench and scoring a quick 4-points. However, it was the Kestrels who looked the more convincing in the first quarter, led by 8-points from Velkey, pushing the hosts ahead, 19-12.
In the second quarter, the Kestrels defence went into high-gear, protecting the paint and limiting the opposition’s attack to the mid-range and 3-point line. Despite an early 3-pointer from Rider’s Lauren Saa, the visitors struggled to find their range from the perimeter. The Kestrels too were not firing on full throttle, but some good phases of ball movement allowed the Kestrels to get contributions from their bench with Jerram, Karpova and Wöellenstein coming into the game and making solid contributions. The Riders were held to just 7-points in the quarter, whilst the Kestrels added a further 11-points, to go into the half, 31-19.
In the second half the Riders defence went into overdrive, creating panic for the Kestrels offence, which until this point had looked patient and decisive. The Riders began to set the tempo which triggered their offensive production. Despite early back-to-back threes from Gomez, it was the Riders that went on a 6-point run to end the period, down by 14 at the end of the quarter.
After making some adjustments in the break the Kestrels went to work at both ends of the floor. TSK’s offensive production was given a boost by Andrea Kurkowski, who scored eight of her game high 20-points in the early part of the quarter. With a lead as big as 25-points in the fourth, Kestrels had contributions from all 12 players. Despite a late run by the Riders, with Lauren France scoring all 11 of her points, the game was ultimately dominated by a gritty defensive performance and a balanced inside-out attack that prevented the Riders from establishing their trademark run n gun style play.
Coach Lee was pleased after the game, saying “We’ve spent a really focussed week on our defensive principles and communication. We have a roster tailor-made to be a real defensive presence and I feel today’s result is a testament to how good we can be at the defensive end. Offensively, we had some big performances, particularly from the inside, which is great considering we were missing one of our regular starters. It’s nice to be back at the top of the table, but the season is long and we still have plenty of work to do.”
Game Leaders:-
Team Solent Kestrels: A. Kurkowski 20, G. Gomez 17, K. Velkey 10,
Loughborough Riders: H. Dawson 12, L. France 11, H. Davies 6
TSK HOLD ON LATE TO SECURE VITAL ROAD WIN IN BIRMINGHAM
Image Courtesy | Mirror Box Studios
On Sunday 14th October Team Solent Kestrels Women hit the road to face Team Birmingham Elite at the The Factory Young People’s Centre. Both Teams had won one and lost one game, so this fixture would start to create some distance between the teams and give each a sense of the competition depth across the league. Kestrel’s starting small forward, Krisztina Velkey returned to the line-up, whilst Birmingham had a full-line including stand out guard, Rebecca Brindley and former BBL player, Lisa Greenaway.
Whilst the Kestrels got off the mark quickly with Geena Gomez scoring 8 of the Kestrels first 10-points, both teams traded baskets in the early going. Rebecca Brindley was not to be out-done and Kestrels struggled to keep a body on her, as she hit 8 of Team BIrmingham’s 10 first-quarter points. However, it was a balanced attack from Kestrels that dominated the play and led to them jumping out to a 10-point lead, finishing the quarter, 20-10.
In the second quarter, the west midlands outfit made adjustments, and whilst Brindley continued to plague the Kestrels defence, big performances from Lucy Buxton and tough defence from Greenaway kept the hosts in the running. However, efforts to guard Gomez out of the game proved largely futile, as she scored another 12-points in the quarter. It was the Kestrel’s bench that proved the difference though with Kristina Karpova coming in to add 7-points of her own with notable contributions from Stevie Ellis at both ends of the floor. The half ended with Kestrels extending their lead by 2-points, 46-34.
In the second half Team Birmingham refused to go away and battled to create problems for the Kestrels at both ends of the floor. Brindley created match-up problems for Kestrel’s defence, whilst offensively the Kestrels seemed to lose some of the focus and composure shown in the first half. A tight third quarter allowed Birmingham to stay within striking distance, even though the Kestrels held onto a 10-point lead.
With 5-minutes left in the game, Solent made some costly unforced errors, which allowed Birmingham back into the game. With 1:21 left on the clock and a 6-point lead, Brindley made a deep three, reducing the deficit to just 3-points. Kestrels immediately turned over the ball, which led to a fast break lay-up by Greenaway. However, Jackson made a key jump-shot to settle the visiting team, followed by a couple of big free-throws by Andrea Kurkowski. Despite a last ditch attempt to stop the clock, Jackson was fouled in the act of shooting and made a final free-throw to close out the game for TSK, final score 81-76.
Coach Lee was pleased after the game, saying; “We played some excellent basketball in the first quarter and that was the difference in a game where both teams showed-up to play. However, equally important was our ability to close-out a game where the opposition finds its feet and momentum in the second-half. It’s clear that some opponents bring out the best in certain players. Brindley has been relatively quiet in the first couple of games this season, but she always comes to play when the Kestrels are in town. Today was a really positive step in our overall development as a team, so I’m pleased with the manner in which we secured the win.”
Game leaders:-
Team Birmingham Elite: R.Brindley 34, J.Cooper 14, L. Buxton 13
Team Solent Kestrels: G. Gomez 30, K.Velkey 12, E.Jackson 11, A.Kurkowski 10
Whilst the Kestrels got off the mark quickly with Geena Gomez scoring 8 of the Kestrels first 10-points, both teams traded baskets in the early going. Rebecca Brindley was not to be out-done and Kestrels struggled to keep a body on her, as she hit 8 of Team BIrmingham’s 10 first-quarter points. However, it was a balanced attack from Kestrels that dominated the play and led to them jumping out to a 10-point lead, finishing the quarter, 20-10.
In the second quarter, the west midlands outfit made adjustments, and whilst Brindley continued to plague the Kestrels defence, big performances from Lucy Buxton and tough defence from Greenaway kept the hosts in the running. However, efforts to guard Gomez out of the game proved largely futile, as she scored another 12-points in the quarter. It was the Kestrel’s bench that proved the difference though with Kristina Karpova coming in to add 7-points of her own with notable contributions from Stevie Ellis at both ends of the floor. The half ended with Kestrels extending their lead by 2-points, 46-34.
In the second half Team Birmingham refused to go away and battled to create problems for the Kestrels at both ends of the floor. Brindley created match-up problems for Kestrel’s defence, whilst offensively the Kestrels seemed to lose some of the focus and composure shown in the first half. A tight third quarter allowed Birmingham to stay within striking distance, even though the Kestrels held onto a 10-point lead.
With 5-minutes left in the game, Solent made some costly unforced errors, which allowed Birmingham back into the game. With 1:21 left on the clock and a 6-point lead, Brindley made a deep three, reducing the deficit to just 3-points. Kestrels immediately turned over the ball, which led to a fast break lay-up by Greenaway. However, Jackson made a key jump-shot to settle the visiting team, followed by a couple of big free-throws by Andrea Kurkowski. Despite a last ditch attempt to stop the clock, Jackson was fouled in the act of shooting and made a final free-throw to close out the game for TSK, final score 81-76.
Coach Lee was pleased after the game, saying; “We played some excellent basketball in the first quarter and that was the difference in a game where both teams showed-up to play. However, equally important was our ability to close-out a game where the opposition finds its feet and momentum in the second-half. It’s clear that some opponents bring out the best in certain players. Brindley has been relatively quiet in the first couple of games this season, but she always comes to play when the Kestrels are in town. Today was a really positive step in our overall development as a team, so I’m pleased with the manner in which we secured the win.”
Game leaders:-
Team Birmingham Elite: R.Brindley 34, J.Cooper 14, L. Buxton 13
Team Solent Kestrels: G. Gomez 30, K.Velkey 12, E.Jackson 11, A.Kurkowski 10
KESTRELS LOSE OUT TO IPSWICH DOWN THE STRETCH
Saturday 6th October saw the Team Solent Kestrels Women play host to Ipswich for their first home game of the season. Ipswich arrived with a depleted squad, after falling foul to a last- minute stomach bug. Whilst the Kestrels missed their starting small-forward, Krisztina Velkey, the return of Jodi Jerram was sure to provide some added depth to an already formidable roster.
The game saw both unbeaten teams come out firing. Kestrels got off the mark quickly, attacking the Ipswich defence on the inside with Gomez, Jackson and Kurkowski putting the home team ahead by 4-points early (10-6). Ipswich, however, were quick to respond with game leader Harriet Welham taking her team on her back with 14 first-quarter points. Little and Taylor-Willis combined for a further 12-points to end the first quarter and take a commanding 9-point lead into the second quarter, 19-28.
However, not to be outshone on their home court, the Kestrels rallied in the second and pressed home their own defensive effort. Whilst Welham continued to be a thorn in the Kestrels’ defence, Ipswich were held to just 11-points for the quarter. Kestrels forwards, Kurkowski and Jackson, proved too much for Ipswich on the inside, whilst Gomez and Jerram provided balance by attacking from mid-range and the perimeter. The Kestrels offensive barrage and defensive intensity turned the tables by the half, giving them a 5-point lead, 44-39.
The crowd enjoyed another strong showing by both teams in the third, as the Kestrels and Ipswich exchanged punches with both starters and bench players making big plays. A variety of players contributed in the third, but Silvias Cante 100% shooting ensured that the Kestrels closed-out the quarter the stronger team, extending their advantage to 7-points, going into the 4th.
However, it was Ipswich who took the initiative in the 4th. Whilst both teams attacked and pressured, it was Ipswich who would find some offensive rhythm down the stretch, outscoring the home team by 12-points and taking the win, 79-84.
Coach Lee remarked after the game “It’s frustrating to lose a game when we played so well in three out of four quarters. However, allowing Ipswich to score 28-first quarter points and allowing Harriet Welham to get 31-points makes winning any game hard work. We need to close out games with the same level of confidence and patience that got us the lead. Nevertheless, we’re still learning. There was definitely more positives than negatives and we’ll bounce back very quickly.”
Game leaders:-
Ipswich: H.Welham 31, E.Little 17, E. D.Cazey 12
Team Solent Kestrels: G. Gomez 22, E.Jackson 17, A.Kurkowski 14
The game saw both unbeaten teams come out firing. Kestrels got off the mark quickly, attacking the Ipswich defence on the inside with Gomez, Jackson and Kurkowski putting the home team ahead by 4-points early (10-6). Ipswich, however, were quick to respond with game leader Harriet Welham taking her team on her back with 14 first-quarter points. Little and Taylor-Willis combined for a further 12-points to end the first quarter and take a commanding 9-point lead into the second quarter, 19-28.
However, not to be outshone on their home court, the Kestrels rallied in the second and pressed home their own defensive effort. Whilst Welham continued to be a thorn in the Kestrels’ defence, Ipswich were held to just 11-points for the quarter. Kestrels forwards, Kurkowski and Jackson, proved too much for Ipswich on the inside, whilst Gomez and Jerram provided balance by attacking from mid-range and the perimeter. The Kestrels offensive barrage and defensive intensity turned the tables by the half, giving them a 5-point lead, 44-39.
The crowd enjoyed another strong showing by both teams in the third, as the Kestrels and Ipswich exchanged punches with both starters and bench players making big plays. A variety of players contributed in the third, but Silvias Cante 100% shooting ensured that the Kestrels closed-out the quarter the stronger team, extending their advantage to 7-points, going into the 4th.
However, it was Ipswich who took the initiative in the 4th. Whilst both teams attacked and pressured, it was Ipswich who would find some offensive rhythm down the stretch, outscoring the home team by 12-points and taking the win, 79-84.
Coach Lee remarked after the game “It’s frustrating to lose a game when we played so well in three out of four quarters. However, allowing Ipswich to score 28-first quarter points and allowing Harriet Welham to get 31-points makes winning any game hard work. We need to close out games with the same level of confidence and patience that got us the lead. Nevertheless, we’re still learning. There was definitely more positives than negatives and we’ll bounce back very quickly.”
Game leaders:-
Ipswich: H.Welham 31, E.Little 17, E. D.Cazey 12
Team Solent Kestrels: G. Gomez 22, E.Jackson 17, A.Kurkowski 14
NAIL BITING FINISH SEES TSK PICK UP NARROW VICTORY ON THE ROAD
Saturday 22nd September saw the Team Solent Kestrels Women take to the road for the season opener against Sevenoaks Suns. Whilst Sevenoaks are new to the division, Coach Lee was keen to make-up for the loss faced against Sevenoaks in last year’s quarter-final of the Cup.
US guard, Geena Gomez opened up her account with free-throws from the foul-line in a first quarter that would see both teams struggle to hit the mark. Whilst the Kestrels took the initiative to lead 12-15, a late 3-point bucket from Suns’ Hutchinson, tied the game at fifteen a piece to close the first quarter. In the second quarter, two of Kestrel’s newest signings, Gomez and Hungarian born, Krisztina Velkey, combined for 8-points, which saw Kestrels amass an 11-point lead. But it was the Suns who finished the quarter strongest, attacking the Kestrels’ defence at will. Sevenoaks’ Bennet scored 6 unanswered, allowing the Suns to swing the contest back in their favour, going into the half-time break, 32-29 up.
During the break Coach Lee asked his players to play with more discipline at the offensive end and a greater sense of urgency at the defensive end. However, it was the Suns who came out firing, going up by 7, before Jackson, Karpova and Gomez combined to close the gap. Despite a solid run of play by the youthful Suns, Kestrels finished the quarter ahead by 2-pts, 44-46.
The crowd, which included Kestrels’ own U14 girls who had travelled from their own game earlier that day, were treated to a thrilling final-quarter in which neither team could break the elastic. In the dying seconds of the game, a great defensive effort prevented the Suns from taking the lead, followed by a nice piece of skill by Gomez, which led to her going to the line. Gomez missed the first, but sinked the second to seal the game.
Coach Lee commented after the game, “This is the first time I’ve left this court with a win in over 5-years, so I’m thrilled with the result. Though, we might feel like we should have won by more, it’s the manner in which we won that should be the major takeaway from today’s game. Sevenoaks never quit and put us under pressure the whole game. We didn’t always make good adjustments, but we executed our game plan when it mattered the most.”
Game Leaders:-
Sevenoaks Suns: K.Bennet 17, K. Whyte 11, E. Hutchinson 10
Team Solent Kestrels: G. Gomez 19, K.Velkey 15, M. Curson 8, E. Jackson 8
US guard, Geena Gomez opened up her account with free-throws from the foul-line in a first quarter that would see both teams struggle to hit the mark. Whilst the Kestrels took the initiative to lead 12-15, a late 3-point bucket from Suns’ Hutchinson, tied the game at fifteen a piece to close the first quarter. In the second quarter, two of Kestrel’s newest signings, Gomez and Hungarian born, Krisztina Velkey, combined for 8-points, which saw Kestrels amass an 11-point lead. But it was the Suns who finished the quarter strongest, attacking the Kestrels’ defence at will. Sevenoaks’ Bennet scored 6 unanswered, allowing the Suns to swing the contest back in their favour, going into the half-time break, 32-29 up.
During the break Coach Lee asked his players to play with more discipline at the offensive end and a greater sense of urgency at the defensive end. However, it was the Suns who came out firing, going up by 7, before Jackson, Karpova and Gomez combined to close the gap. Despite a solid run of play by the youthful Suns, Kestrels finished the quarter ahead by 2-pts, 44-46.
The crowd, which included Kestrels’ own U14 girls who had travelled from their own game earlier that day, were treated to a thrilling final-quarter in which neither team could break the elastic. In the dying seconds of the game, a great defensive effort prevented the Suns from taking the lead, followed by a nice piece of skill by Gomez, which led to her going to the line. Gomez missed the first, but sinked the second to seal the game.
Coach Lee commented after the game, “This is the first time I’ve left this court with a win in over 5-years, so I’m thrilled with the result. Though, we might feel like we should have won by more, it’s the manner in which we won that should be the major takeaway from today’s game. Sevenoaks never quit and put us under pressure the whole game. We didn’t always make good adjustments, but we executed our game plan when it mattered the most.”
Game Leaders:-
Sevenoaks Suns: K.Bennet 17, K. Whyte 11, E. Hutchinson 10
Team Solent Kestrels: G. Gomez 19, K.Velkey 15, M. Curson 8, E. Jackson 8
TSK VICTORIOUS IN PRE SEASON TEST VS. CAMDEN
On Saturday 15th September, St. Mary’s played host to the first game of the season for this year’s Division 1 Women in the form of a pre season match up.
As preparations continue and new signings join established players, Team Solent Kestrels faced-off against Camden Panthers, a veteran team that normally plies its trade in the London league.
Both teams started off tentatively in the first quarter, with the Kestrels stuttering to a 1-point deficit in the first, 9-10. In the second quarter Kestrels new American guard Geena Gomez, a former starter at San Diego State, showed her class early getting the Kestrels into the game with a couple of early buckets, before Andrea Kurkowski started to connect from close range. Nevertheless, it was the Panthers who dictated the tempo, led by guard Yamaguchi, who would eventually claim a game-high, 18-points.
The Kestrels regrouped at half-time and entered the third with a renewed sense of intensity on the defensive end, holding the Panthers to just 11-points. It was Estonian newcomer, Kristina Karpova who got hot from the perimeter in the third and dropped 13-points in the second-half. The Panthers kept up their assault in the fourth with balanced scoring from their starters and the bench. However, with big time-outs for both teams in the closing minutes, it was the Kestrels that closed out the game for a 3-point win, 60-57.
Kristina Karpova and Geena Gomez top scored for the Kestrels with 13-points a piece. Yamaguchi led all scorers with 18-points, with the Panthers’ Ascorreta and Lepanen contributing 9-points each.
Head Coach CJ Lee commented after the game; “The result wasn’t important, but its always good to get off the mark with a win. For us we’re dealing with a steep learning curve. We have lots of new faces and bags of talent, but creating discipline and chemistry takes time. Julian and I really like where we’re at given that the season is still a couple of weeks away and I’m excited to see how far this team can go.”
As preparations continue and new signings join established players, Team Solent Kestrels faced-off against Camden Panthers, a veteran team that normally plies its trade in the London league.
Both teams started off tentatively in the first quarter, with the Kestrels stuttering to a 1-point deficit in the first, 9-10. In the second quarter Kestrels new American guard Geena Gomez, a former starter at San Diego State, showed her class early getting the Kestrels into the game with a couple of early buckets, before Andrea Kurkowski started to connect from close range. Nevertheless, it was the Panthers who dictated the tempo, led by guard Yamaguchi, who would eventually claim a game-high, 18-points.
The Kestrels regrouped at half-time and entered the third with a renewed sense of intensity on the defensive end, holding the Panthers to just 11-points. It was Estonian newcomer, Kristina Karpova who got hot from the perimeter in the third and dropped 13-points in the second-half. The Panthers kept up their assault in the fourth with balanced scoring from their starters and the bench. However, with big time-outs for both teams in the closing minutes, it was the Kestrels that closed out the game for a 3-point win, 60-57.
Kristina Karpova and Geena Gomez top scored for the Kestrels with 13-points a piece. Yamaguchi led all scorers with 18-points, with the Panthers’ Ascorreta and Lepanen contributing 9-points each.
Head Coach CJ Lee commented after the game; “The result wasn’t important, but its always good to get off the mark with a win. For us we’re dealing with a steep learning curve. We have lots of new faces and bags of talent, but creating discipline and chemistry takes time. Julian and I really like where we’re at given that the season is still a couple of weeks away and I’m excited to see how far this team can go.”
