Match Report: Lightning strikes twice

7/OCT/2008 – In a memorable opening to the 2008-09 ADF WNBL season, the Adelaide Link Lightning have notched up their first win, defeating a spirited ACUVUE Sydney Uni Flames team by two points, 74-72, reproducing the result of last season's grand final.

Despite being 16 points down at the start of the final quarter, the Flames were able to fight back and a last minute three-pointer from Alicia Poto would have won the game for the Flames had it not rolled around and out of the basket.

Eva Afeaki drew first blood for Sydney Uni but Lightning was simply too big and too strong for the Flames, who were not able to exact revenge after last season's grand final loss, despite having home court advantage.

Led by off-season recruit from the Australian Institute of Sport, Cayla Francis, who posted 20 points and 13 rebounds, the Lightning established and retained the lead from the first five minutes.

"We fought back hard in the final quarter, but it was our defence throughout the game that let us down," said Head Coach, Karen Dalton.

"Adelaide is a tough team to face in the first round, especially as they kept their plans for this season secret. I'm impressed that the girls fought to the end and we have the whole season to make the adjustments we need to make," she added.

"We are a young outfit and as the season progresses and our imports settle, we will definitely be a force to reckon with."

Young forward Sally Potocki was inspirational for the Flames, finishing with 17 points and 7 rebounds, but it was back-up point guard Erin Lorenzini who caused a momentum shift late in the fourth quarter. Lorenzini's defensive pressure helped to get the Flames back in to the game, with her energy and enthusiasm helping to bring the Flames back into the contest.

A packed house watched the Flames jump out to an early lead, with experienced players Alicia Poto and Afeaki leading the way in the first quarter with eight and six points respectively. Both players finished the game with 17 points and showed they are ready to fill the gap left by league MVP, Nat Porter who left the Flames to play professionally in Europe.

Lightning forward Jess Foley was once again a handful for the Flames, finishing with 20 points and five rebounds. With Francis also scoring 20 points and Adelaide import, Tracy Gahan chipping in with 12 points, Lightning was able to dominate the Flames close to the basket.

With the Lightning winning the battle in the paint and dictating the tempo of the game, the Flames were unable to notch up their first win on their home court, the ACUVUE Sports Hall. Despite their defensive lift in the last quarter, missed lay-ups and mental lapses saw the Flames go down in a nail-biter.

Flames' US imports Lindsey Pluimer and Rhonda Price made their ADF WNBL debuts in the starting five but made little impact in the first half. After arriving in Sydney only two days ago Pluimer made a slow start but posted eight points in the second half. Price put up four points in her seven minutes on court.

The ACUVUE Sydney Uni Flames will be hoping to get their first win of the season next Friday night, when they travel to Canberra to face the AIS.

Adelaide 74 - Cayla Francis 20, Jessica Foley 20, Tracy Gahan 12
Sydney Uni 72 - Sally Potocki 17, Alicia Poto 17, Eva Afeaki 17