City West Falcons have opened their account in the Victorian Netball League championship division.
After a tough start to the season against Melbourne University Lightning in round one, the Falcons looked more settled against DC North East Blaze last Wednesday night.
The Falcons started slowly and trailed at quarter-time by three goals. A 16-10 second quarter turned the tables for the Falcons, who led by three at the main break.
Little separated the teams in the third quarter, the Falcons winning the quarter by one goal to extend the lead to four at the final change.
In the last quarter, the Falcons were the better of the two sides in the shooting circle, nailing 12 goals to the Blaze’s 10 to seal a 53-47 win.
Kath Knott scored 34 goals from 40 attempts, while Stephanie Puopolo scored 19 goals as the two developed their shooting partnership.
Knott was best on court, with defender Jacqueline Newton also putting in a strong performance to be awarded the two votes.
The division 1 Falcons suffered their first loss of the season, beaten by the Blaze 59-45.
After an even first half, the Blaze opened up an eight-goal lead in the third quarter and maintained that momentum to record a big win.
Julia Woolley scored 23 goals for the Falcons, with Tharjini Sivalingan scoring 20 and Bridget O’Halloran chipping in with two after coming on in the third quarter.
The under-19 Falcons remain undefeated after a 58-39 win, also against the Blaze.
The Falcons started well before the Blaze fought back in the second quarter to trail by three goals at the main break.
The second half was all the Falcons as they out-scored the Blaze 31-15.
The Falcons didn’t have long between games, with the sides scheduled to play their third-round matches on Monday night.
All three sides were to play Boroondara Express.
