Rush Go Down Fighting in Weekend Doubleheader
The Integra Ballarat Rush are experiencing a rough month as they suffered another two losses in their doubleheader weekend against the Frankston Lady Blues and the Dandenong Lady Rangers.
Despite having four starters score in double figures, the Rush’s second match-up against the Lady Blues did not go according to plan. The Rush started out strong, ending the opening quarter with a two-point lead, going into the second quarter with the momentum on their side. The Rush held on to the lead for the majority of the second quarter before Frankston went on a 7-0 run to end the second quarter; the Rush would head into the main break down by five.
With a third quarter that saw Ballarat get down by as many as 11 points, they were able to claw back in the fourth and get it within three with one minute remaining. Unfortunately, Frankston proved too strong, and were able to defeat the Rush, 77-74.
Steph Cumming played the entire game, scoring 24 points and dishing out three assists. Kristy Rinaldi, who received recognition from the club prior to tip-off for playing her 200th game for the Ballarat Rush, played a very motivated, very strong game, posting a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds. Young gun Abbey Wehrung also chipped in with 16 points and three assists.
Frankston Blues’ Kelly Bowen was unstoppable. Shooting 12/19 from the field, she was able to record season-highs of 28 points and 14 rebounds. Nicole Romeo was very effective as the playmaker for Frankston, dishing out eight assists and also posting 16 points of her own.
Dandenong was next in store for the Rush in their weekend doubleheader. Similar start to the night before, the first quarter was very tight and resulted in a 16-16 tied game heading into the second quarter. However, Dandenong would prove why they are a top team in the league, going on a 28-5 run in the second quarter from which the Rush could not recover. The Rush displayed their no-quit attitude that they pride themselves on, making a run late into the third quarter, however Dandenong never relinquished their control of the game, and the Rush fell to the Rangers, 67-86.
Cumming continued her superb scoring weekend with 27 points in the contest. Rinaldi scored 11 points and picked up six rebounds. Conversely, Dandenong’s scoring was spread pretty evenly throughout the roster; Amelia Todhunter top-scored for the Rangers with 19 points.
The Rush will look to get back on track as they travel to Canberra for their third doubleheader of the month. They return to action at the MARS® MINERDOME following the Queen’s Birthday weekend, where they will take on the Sandringham Sabres, Sunday June 15 from 12pm.