THE NBL1 West Women’s competition held its 16th and final round of action for the 2023 season, and the Warwick Senators claimed a big win over the Lakeside Lightning thanks to the performance of Chloe Forster.

The two sides faced off at Lakeside Recreation Centre on Friday night in an important game for the visiting side. The Lightning had the opportunity to potentially sneak into the finals if other results went their way, but would have to take down a Warwick side that was gearing up for its own postseason appearance. The Senators had secured their place in the finals, but would be coming up against a determined Lakeside outfit, so would also have to bring their best to avoid heading into their first matchup on a losing streak.

It was a tightly contested first half, with Warwick coming out strong in the first 10 minutes and showing why it is deserving of a shot at the title in the coming weeks. However, the Lightning returned serve in the second quarter and made things interesting at the main break by cutting the deficit back to just three points and keeping their season alive. Although it was shaping as a tense second half, the Senators took control in the remaining two quarters with some excellent work on both ends, eventually cruising home to a 100-77 win.

Forster was at the forefront for the Senators both offensively and defensively, leading the team in a number of facets of the game and heading into the finals in some good form.

Lakeside Lightning (77) def. by Warwick Senators (90)

Chloe Forster – 26 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, seven steals

Forster was everywhere in Warwick’s final round win over the Lightning on Friday night, posting a balanced stat sheet and having a considerable say in the result of the match.

The Senators spread out the shots among the starting lineup, but Forster took the most of anyone on the team given her strong form. She finished the match with 26 points on 7/17 shooting, but did the most damage from the charity stripe.

The Perth Lynx guard was ruthless in her attack on the basket, drawing plenty of contact and going 10/15 from the free throw line.

Forster was also instrumental in setting up scoring opportunities for her teammates, slicing open the defence off the dribble and dishing off to an unguarded teammate, en route to seven dimes for the match.

Defensively, Forster was as active as anyone, ensuring she was always aware of where Lakeside was passing the ball and disrupting plenty of opposition plays. She could also poke the ball free from the Lightning ball-handler’s grasp, generating a lot of transition offence with her seven steals for the match.

Forster had herself quite the game in a tough win for the Senators, and will look to replicate this sort of impact in the coming postseason, where her side will be one of the stronger contenders.