By Tara Murray
Whittlesea Pacers are remaining positive after being on the end of two big losses in the Big V women’s state championship division.
It hasn’t been an easy transition for the new-look Pacers side after returning of the top flight this year.
After losing to McKinnon Cougars in round one, the Pacers had a massive loss on Saturday night to the Southern Peninsula Sharks, 105-61.
The Pacers were on the back foot early with just nine first quarter points while the Sharks extended the lead every quarter.
Coach Damon Lowery said while it was tough, they know there is plenty to work with.
“It’s full credit to Southern Pen,” he said. “They exposed a lot of our weaknesses.
“They shot really well and we gave them some easy lay-ups. They played zone the whole game and we didn’t execute and missed some.
“Our challenge is to stay upbeat and recognise where we can improve.”
Lowery said there were still positives to come out of the game.
He said import Dani Reinwald, who finished with 18 points, was massive on the offensive end, finishing with 14 offensive boards and 20 rebounds overall.
“Her work rate is something to behold.”
Megan McMahon, who was scoreless in round one, scored eight points, while veteran Natalie Dowdy provided good minutes off the bench.
Lowery said the challenge of stepping up a grade was always going to be a tough one, but had been made tougher by off season departures.
The playing group has been together for just two weeks.
“We’re under no illusions we were not going to come out and dominate,” he said.
“We’re a new group that hasn’t played together before and there is a lot of youth out there.
“It’s a new group that’s come together at the last minute with some girls quitting a month out from the season.
“We were left in a tight spot and scrambling to get a team together. We’re nowhere near as advanced as we would like to be, but we’re not whinging about it.”
Lowery said he is confident a win is just around the corner as the group continues to gel.
He said as a coach he couldn’t ask for any more.
“They are a great bunch of girls who want to be here and who want to learn.
“Every game is tough … for Whittlesea basketball it’s a good challenge.”
The Pacers men’s side also had a tough weekend, losing to Bellarine Storm 103-96.
Dominic Bruno top scored with 23 points.
MORE BIG V NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/melton-thoroughbreds-hold-nerve/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/sunbury-jets-flying-high-with-two-wins-to-start-the-season/
