The Queensland Firebirds have continued their late-season rise with a dominant 64-58 victory over the Melbourne Vixens in Cairns.
The Queensland side withstood a stern challenge from the Minor Premiers at the Cairns Pop Up Arena to earn their third win in the last four games, and fifth of the season, dealing the Vixens just their second loss for 2020 in the process.
The contrast from the round two meeting between the two sides - a 28-goal loss for the Queenslanders – was stark, with the Firebirds providing a clear demonstration of just how far they have evolved throughout the season.
A typically fast start from the Firebirds saw them establish a six goal lead at quarter time, and extend that margin to 11 partway through the second term, before the Vixens rode a wave of momentum on the back of a string of Caitlin Thwaites Super Shots to get within four at halftime.
The Minor Premiers continued their run early in the third quarter, scoring six of the first seven goals of the second half to grab their first lead of the game.
The Firebirds halted the momentum though courtesy of a full court defensive press, steadying the contest to edge ahead 48-44 after three quarters.
The Queensland outfit opened the final term as fervently as they did the first, with five goals in a row setting up an insurmountable lead and sealing their most impressive victory of the season in front of a passionate Cairns crowd.
Romelda Aiken finished with 45 goals, her eighth consecutive game with 40 or more, but the victory was built on the defensive efforts of Tara Hinchliffe and Kim Jenner, along with Gabi Simpson's leadership from wing defence.
Townsville-born Jenner won Player of the Match honours with her family watching in the stands for the Firebirds' first appearance in Far North Queensland, as the defender finished with six deflections and three intercepts.
“We had a lot to play for today, so it was really satisfying to have everybody execute their role and play out the four quarters for that win,” Jenner said.
“It was also really special to get a win in front of our North Queensland fans while playing in our Indigenous dress.”
“We are Queensland’s team, so it was great to play in front of our fans and our Purple Family up in the North and I hope we made them proud.”
Head Coach Roselee Jencke OAM echoed Jenner’s sentiments, praising her player’s commitment against the Minor Premiers.
“It was a fantastic performance by every single player out on court, they obviously did their homework coming into this game because every Firebird beat their opponent today,” Jencke said.
“It gives us great belief and confidence heading into next season knowing we are absolutely capable of beating the very best teams in this competition.”
The Firebirds will aim to end their season on a high against Collingwood Magpies on Saturday at Nissan Arena, where a win could see them finish the regular season as high as fifth place on the League ladder.
