OVER THE weekend, the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) returned for the fourth week of the 2024/25 season, and the action was as tight as ever across the courts.

With a whopping six games taking place from Wednesday to Sunday, the fourth round of the fixture delivered some eye-catching results, including a season-first win for one of the younger sides in the WNBL.

Each week, Rookie Me Central will be recapping the week’s play in the WNBL, putting each game under the microscope and what the results mean for the season moving forward.

Adelaide Lightning (78) def. Sydney Flames (54)

In the first game of the round, the Lightning delivered a statement win over the Flames to the tune of 24 points at Adelaide 36ers Arena on Wednesday night. Adelaide stormed out of the gates with a restrictive defensive performance in the first quarter, holding the visitors to just 11 points, and leading by 15 points at the main change. Although the Flames lifted in the third term, a 24-14 final quarter was the final nail in the coffin as the Lightning cruised to victory.

Japreece Dean was the star of the show for the Lightning, posting 20 points on 8/13 shooting from the field, along with six rebounds and four assists in a tremendous performance. Also impressing was Isabelle Bourne, who knocked down three triples en route to 17 points for the match, while Mikaela Ruef was Sydney’s best with 14 points and 12 rebounds.

UC Capitals (81) def. Townsville Fire (80)

The upset of the season saw the Capitals record their first win of the fixture, holding on for a one-point victory at AIS Arena on Thursday night. After being winless from the first three weeks of the season, the Capitals built the triumph off the back of a 23-15 third quarter. Down the stretch, the Capitals locked down defensively, and the got the ball in the hands of the best players, which was good enough to secure a maiden win.

Canberra captain Jade Melbourne led from the front with an excellent showing, delivering 20 points (7/12 FG), three rebounds and seven assists. She controlled the temp of the match perfectly and was the most influential figure in the match. Despite the loss, Zia Cooke was exceptional for the Fire, top scoring with 22 points thanks to knocking down five three-pointers on eight attempts.

Geelong United (60) def. by UC Capitals (73)

The Capitals made it two on the trot after heading to Victoria and defeating Geelong United by 13 points at Geelong Arena on Saturday evening. Canberra continued to play at a high tempo, and it ultimately brought United undone, particularly in the final quarter, where Geelong was outscored 15-9, sealing the result.

For the second time of the weekend, Melbourne starred for the Capitals, again producing an inspirational performance to steer her side to victory with 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Charlie Collier was strong for Canberra as well with 14 points, and despite an off shooting night (2/14 FG), Chantel Hrovat delivered on the glass with 13 rebounds.

Townsville Fire (53) def. Adelaide Lightning (47)

A dominant final term helped the Townsville Fire snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in their clash against the Lightning at Townsville Entertainment Centre on Saturday. Coming into the fourth period, the Fire were trailing by eight points and looked out of the match. However, the home side outscored Adelaide 17-5 in the final 10 minutes, storming home with a wet sail to overrun the Lightning by six points.

In a low-scoring clash, the composure of Courtney Woods was immense in the context of the game, and played a key role in getting Townsville to victory. She knocked down seven of her eight attempts from the charity stripe, and finished the game with 16 of her team’s 53 points in an excellent individual effort. She combined well with Alexandra Fowler, who posted 11 points off the bench to be the only other double-digit scorer in the game.

Perth Lynx (84) def. Sydney Flames (78)

Thanks to a strong finish to the match from the home side, the Lynx managed to chalk out a six-point win over the Flames at Bendat Basketball Centre on Saturday. Sydney got out to a terrific start and led by 10 points at quarter time and 11 at the main change. The Lynx came out of half-time looking a different side, drawing level by three quarter time before finishing the job to win by six in a terrific turnaround.

Laeticia Amihere was outstanding for the Lynx, putting the team on her back in the second half and sparking Perth’s offence with her relentless attack on the basket. She poured in a game-high 28 points along with four rebounds and four assists, further proving she has found her feet in recent weeks. For the Flames, Mikaela Ruef stuffed the stats sheet with 10 points, 16 rebounds and eight assists, doing a bit of everything.

Bendigo Spirit (79) def. Southside Flyers (71)

The Spirit remained unbeaten in dramatic fashion, coming from behind to defeat the Flyers by eight points at Ballarat Sports Event Centre on Sunday afternoon. Bendigo trailed by 11 at the final change before outscoring the reigning champions 28-9 in remarkable fashion, stealing the win with a dominant period to close out the round.

Although Sami Whitcomb was quiet by her lofty standards (11 points, seven rebounds), Veronica Burton picked up the slack with her best performance of the season. She produced 20 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in a breakout showing for the 2024/25 fixture. Southside was reliably led by Rebecca Cole, who had 18 points, five rebounds and five assists.