The Queensland Firebirds have been denied their first victory of the season over the NSW Swifts with a 63-66 loss in extra time at the Nissan Arena.
The Queensland side were valiant in defeat against the Swifts drawing even at the final whistle but were unable to translate the win in extra time.
A typically fast start from the Swifts saw them establish a six-goal lead at quarter time, before the Firebirds rode a wave of momentum on the back of some great circle depth. The rotation of Gretel Bueta, Romelda Aiken and Tippah Dwan, throughout the game in the shooting circle, was testament to the strength of the Firebirds attack end.
Tippah scored the first Super Shot of the game and Gretel’s layup style was a crowd favourite. Dynamic circle feeds and solid defensive turnovers changed the momentum of the game in the third quarter.
Romelda Aiken proved her strength under the post opening the shooting in both the third and fourth quarters. The lead changed several times in the third quarter with the Firebirds centre court press, solid attack passing and relentless defence from Tara Hinchliffe and Kim Jenner putting the Firebirds back in touch.
The Swifts maintained a 3-point lead heading into the final quarter. The Firebirds closed the lead courtesy of a two Gretel Bueta Super Shots. The score was even at the final whistle with 5 minutes extra time to be played. The Swifts circle feed made hard work for the Firebirds defence end.
“We had a lot to play for today in our first game, and although we didn’t take the win tonight everybody executed their role and played out the four quarters with grit,” Simpson said.
“We managed to get some great turnovers, our shooters were spot on and our defensive speed really helped close down the Swifts circle.”
“Of course, we also welcomed Gretel and Kim back for their first game back in the purple and I’m so proud and excited for them to get their first hit out out of the way.”
Head Coach Megan Anderson echoed Simpson’s sentiments, praising her player’s ability to smother the Swifts all game.
“It was a fantastic performance by every single player out on court, we certainly didn’t make any concessions,” Anderson said.
“It gives us great belief and confidence for rest of the season knowing we are absolutely capable of beating the very best teams in this competition.”
The Firebirds next match will be another home game against the Adelaide Thunderbirds on Sunday, May 9 at Nissan Arena (Mother’s Day). With a crowd of over 3,000 in attendance at today’s game next week’s matchup is sure to delight the Queensland crowd.
