Tara Murray
The Altona Gators got two much needed wins in the Big V women’s division 1 competition on the weekend to keep the side’s finals hopes alive.
It had been tough going for the Gators in recent weeks facing some of the top teams in the competition.
Coach Randy Shanklin said the group was still trying to find their feet in the division 1 competition.
“It has been a rough last few weeks trying to find our feet in the new league,” he said.
“We played some of the top teams in a row and it made it a little more difficult the last couple of weeks without some of our top players.
“Most of the girls played in division 2 and youth league last season, this is a more physical division and the players have a different IQ.
“It’s been a different challenge navigating the new division.”
Shanklin said not for the first time in recent years, had the girls responded when their backs were to the wall.
On Saturday night they beat Melbourne University, 63-59. It was a game of ups and downs, with the Gators leading by 10 points at half time, before trailing by 10 points at the final break.
A 22-8 final quarter sealed the win for the Gators.
Kayla Salmons top scored with 16 points for the Gators.
Shanklin said they just had to get the job done.
“It was necessary to win if we wanted to continue to push for finals,” he said. “We got some performances out of some players that we thought they could do.
“They beat us last time in a tough match up.
“We had to win the game twice in a way. We played with heart which we wouldn’t have done a couple of weeks ago.
The Gators backed it up on Sunday against the Warrandyte Venom, winning 76-53. The Gators won every quarter in the big win.
Monique Marcetic-Vaotangi top scored with 14 points.
Shanklin was thrilled that they were able to back it up against a side that likes to use the inside of the key.
“They were a physical side,” he said. “They have two great inside players, we looked to hurt them in different ways.
“Their import had a good game and Emmie O’Nial had 22 rebounds. The heart the girls played with all weekend was incredible.”
The Gators now have five wins for the season, sitting in eighth spot. They’ve got the next two rounds off due to a bye and the King’s Birthday weekend.
Shanklin said they had to stay motivated during that time.
The Gators men were also on the winners list on Sunday, beating the Maccabi Warriors
The Gators led at every break on the way to a 93-83 win.
Adam Anderson top scored with 21 points.
