KEILOR Thunder was gallant in a 66-52 loss to Victorian Basketball League Big V women’s division 1 title contenders Warrnambool Mermaids at the Warrnambool Basketball Stadium on Saturday night.
The Thunder was a fast starter, taking a surprise lead into the quarter-time huddle against the team with the best record in the division.
But players could not sustain the fury as they looked on helplessly in a second period dominated by a Mermaids outfit needing to win to claim home court advantage throughout the playoffs.
The Thunder had a respectable season in their first shot at the Big V’s second tier since earning promotion as champions of division 2.
The home-grown, guard-laden team finished with six wins with their main struggles coming against sides with towering centres.
Thunder coach Steve Toy was encouraged by what he saw from a team that was inexperienced at the level.
Toy shared the minutes around when it was apparent the Mermaids were too far into the distance.
The standouts were Ashleigh Gunn (13 points and five rebounds), Jessica Francke (10 points and eight rebounds) and Michelle Reid (eight points and 10 rebounds).
