Altona Gators will have to reset and refocus to get its Big V women’s division 1 finals campaign back on track.
The Gators did enough during the regular season to secure a double chance and set up a clash with the Whittlesea Pacers on Saturday night.
It was a familiar foe, with the two sides facing off the previous week as well, in the final round of the regular season.
The result was the same, with the Pacers winning 70-63 in the first week of finals.
Gators coach Randy Shanklin said it had been hard to take much out of the week before as they played that game with only seven players.
“We knew that finals would be a different beast in terms of mentality, but we didn’t have that and weren’t ready for that,” he said.
Shanklin said they were their own worst nightmare at times they tried to bridge the gap.
The Pacers led by five points at quarter time and were able to hold a lead from there.
While the Gators kept the game close, they couldn’t get over the line or take the lead at any stage.
“We’d get back to four points and we would make a mistake and they would make us pay,” Shanklin said.
“Tegan [Cunningham] has been there and down that at WNBL level there was no tension that showed through for her.
“We would be down by eight to 10 and get it back to four points and they would hit a massive baskets.
“Some others stepped up but she was the key one getting them going. Hayley Munro, who had hit two threes for the season, hit a couple of big shots and you just have to tip your hat.”
Shanklin said the difference in shots at the free throw line had a bit of an impact on the scoreboard and how they could play.
He said in the past two weeks, it was 51-20 free three shots in favour of the Pacers.
“Considering that, to only lose by seven isn’t too bad.”
Jenna Mae Ellsworth top scored with 19 points for the Gators, as just three players hit double figures.
The Gators season isn’t over, but it’s all must win from here on in.
This week they will face the Western Port Steelers, who beat Melbourne University in the elimination final, 71-53.
The Pacers will face the Craigieburn Eagles for a grand final.
Shanklin said they know to expect in the knockout semi final.
“They are a familiar foe,” he said. “We beat them last year in the finals.
“We match up well and it will be a physical game and never pretty. Hopefully we’re a bit more confident this week.”
The Gators are also still alive in the youth league men division 2 competition.
The Gators beat Sherbrooke Suns on on Sunday, 91-84.
Mitchell Smith top scored with 27 points for the Gators.
