Match Report: Caps v Venom 31 October

The UC Capitals have secured a hard-fought victory on the road over the Geelong Venom to start their season off with a 2-1 record. The Caps came out firing to gain an early lead before holding off a late run from a determined Venom side. Amy Atwell and Nyadiew Puoch lead the way for the Caps in the 77-68 victory to claim the Caps first win on the road.

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Q1

The Caps set the tone right from the first bucket, with Atwell opening the scoring with a signature three-pointer to give the visitors first advantage. The sister connection between Manuela and Nyadiew Puoch was on show early, as Manuela found Nyadiew open for another three points shortly after. Geelong worked their way back into the contest, but Nyadiew responded with another long range shot to keep momentum with the Caps as they ran ahead on the scoreboard through transition baskets and strong defensive pressure. Chinese international Han Xu kept the Venom in touch with a late basket to give the home crowd hope going into the first break and keep her team within a single digit scoreline of the Caps.

UC Capitals 26 - Geelong Venom 17

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Q2

Atwell continued to make her mark in the second quarter, finding multiple ways to score as the Caps maintained control of the game. Han also remained a key presence for Geelong adding to her tally on her birthday and making an impact on both ends of the court. The Caps defensive pressure proved important, forcing Geelong into 13 turnovers compared to the Caps three during the first half. Indiah Bowyer stood up for the home team contributing important buckets alongside Han who went on a five-point streak for the Venom to keep them within reach, but an Isabella Brancatisano’s steal and layup in the final seconds gave the Caps the last word of the half.

HALFTIME

UC Capitals 49 - Geelong Venom 36

Atwell 18 points, 2 rebounds

Nyadiew Pouch 9 points, 6 rebounds

Han 14 points, 8 rebounds

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Q3

Coming back from the half, Han opened the scoring for the home team as Geelong came out determined to close the gap, but the Caps continued to apply pressure defensively and worked to maintain their advantage. Nyadiew continued to impress from distance, adding another three-pointer from the corner once again off the assist of her younger sister Manuela as the sisters continued to provide an offensive spark. Geelong began to build momentum and chipped away at the Caps lead, making the contest tighter heading into the final quarter. Despite the Venom’s efforts, the Caps remained in front, taking a 9-point lead into the fourth.

UC Capitals 60 - Geelong Venom 51

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Q4

Both sides begun showing signs of fatigue in the final quarter after such a tightly contested game, it was Geelong who came out determined to fight their way back into the game and quickly cut the margin to just five points. Han continued to lead the Venom's scoring, finishing as the game's leading scorer with an impressive 25 points and 12 rebounds, while Lily Rotunno added valuable points late in the game. For the Caps, it was Atwell who continued to lead her squad with a crucial three-points to help steady the Caps, while Megan McConnell fired up her squad with an impressive shot from beyond the arc of her own with two minutes remaining. Manuela then found the basket from long range with just over 30 seconds left, helping the Caps regain control and see out the home side. The Caps held firm under pressure to secure the 77-68 win, with Atwell finishing on 25 points and Nyadiew with 15 points.

FINAL UC Capitals 77 - Geelong Venom 68

Atwell 25pts, 2 rebounds

Nyadiew Pouch 15pts, 7rebs

Han Xu 25pts, 12rebs

Lily Rotunno 11pts, 4rebs, 5asts

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The Capitals will now turn their attention to next week’s clash against the Bendigo Spirit on Saturday, 7 November at Red Energy Arena.

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