Game Preview: UC Capitals v Geelong Venom

The UC Capitals are preparing for another challenge this Saturday as they hit to road once again to take on Geelong Venom at Microkeeper Arena.

The UC Capitals are coming off a tough 12-point loss to the Sydney Flames last week, with Head Coach Paul Goriss knowing what improvements the team will take away from the result.

“Defensively we weren’t as aggressive and assertive as we were in Bendigo,” Goriss said.

“The 19 turnovers really hurt us, they had 16 points off those turnovers and in a 12-point game all those possessions matter.”

Despite the loss, Nyadiew Puoch was a standout finishing with 19 points, nine rebounds, and four assists as the Capitals look to bounce back in Round 3.

The Caps team has spent this week preparing for Venom and the squad are eager to get on the road and prove their calibre to the league once again.

“Every game is an opportunity for us to show what we have been building on at training and worked on all preseason,” Charlotte Whittaker said.

Geelong enters the match up with one win and one loss, following a strong Round 2 performance against the Southside Melbourne Flyers.

The Venom have added several key players this season, including former Southside guard Maddi Rocci, veteran Bec Cole coming back from injury, and Chinese international Han Xu, who made the move from the Perth Lynx after spending the latest WNBA season with the New York Liberty.

Round 2 saw the introduction of Han Xu to the Venom lineup with the 6’11” centre scoring 16 points and eight rebounds in their first win of the season.

Her height and presence will present a significant challenge for the Capitals, particularly for Whittaker who has spent the week preparing for the matchup.

“She’s always been a really good player and someone good to go up against. We’ll look to be really physical with her and not letting her get to the spots that she wants to get to.”

Goriss knows Han’s international experience will be a major factor but is looking forward to seeing his team rise to the challenge.

“She’s an international talent that can go off at any time and it’s a great test for us. It’s exciting to have a player like Han with her international experience playing in the league.”

Geelong will be without Maddi Rocci, who has been sidelined with a left foot injury, and Bec Cole, who is unavailable with a lower leg injury.

Despite the loss of two key players, Geelong has continued to find ways to win. Former Cap Indiah Bowyer has been a standout contributing strong scoring performances.

The Caps are eager to make the most of another opportunity on the road and secure an important win against the Venom.

Tip-off is at 7pm at Microkeeper Arena, watch live on 9Now or ESPN via Disney+.

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