A FRUSTRATED Paul Goriss took the time to air his grievances with the “lack of consistency” around foul calls, particularly for his star big and captain, Zitina Aokuso in the wake of his UC Capital side’s elimination for the WNBL 2025/26 finals race.

Needing a victory against Southside Melbourne Flyers to keep their hopes alive, the Caps started strongly to lead by six points at quarter time, but eventually went down to the experienced Flyers by seven, 82-75 at AIS Arena.

>> MATCH REPORT: UC Capitals (75) def. by Southside Melbourne Flyers (82)

Speaking post-match alongside Isabella Brancatisano, Goriss lifted the lid on what had been a frustrating time for the club in regards to foul clarification. The UC coach said Aokuso – who only had five free-throws on the night – was the best “back-to-basket big in the league” and opponents were getting away with illegal pushes and holds.

“I don’t what more when people just shove her in the back, hold and grab her from behind, and she gets five three-throws,” Goriss said. “It’s just ridiculous, its just crazy to me.

“You can’t (release shots effectively) when you’re being pushed two hands in the back and being held and there’s nothing on the back end of it. “I don’t know what more she can do, I really don’t, and I’ve asked for more clarification and literally get the same story each week.”

Gorris admitted his side’s foul discipline was not up to scratch and the Capitals’ one-on-one defence lacked in the first half despite leading the Flyers at quarter time and being tied at the main break. Though the coaching staff did adjust a few things at half-time to help “remedy” that situation, Goriss said the lack of fouls against the tactics on Aokuso impacted the game.

When asked if he would cut up footage and send it into the league for clarification, Goriss said he already had, and was unsatisfied given the lack of resolution from those attempts.

“I wouldn’t say I’ve done a lot because I don’t like to complain and whinge a lot, but when I have sent it in, all I get back is ‘they made the incorrect call’ so it just falls on deaf ears when it comes to the game and there’s a lack of consistency across the board from week-to-week,” he said.

With finals out of the question now, the Capitals set their sights on a home match against Geelong Venom. With only pride on the line, Goriss said he hoped they could beat Geelong and finish fifth, but was well aware of how much of a danger the sixth placed Venom would be.

“Geelong has come on in the backend of the season because they’re fully fit now and Pili’s (Alissa Pili) definitely a hell of a player and has helped them since she’s come back into the lineup,” Goriss said. “And we know how good (Shyla) Heal, (Mackenzie) Holmes, (Jaz) Shelley, all of those are.

“Its not just going to be an easy game, I think they’re playing some really good basketball now that they’re got everyone fit and healthy and so it’s going to be a dogfight but I’m glad we’re in font of our home fans.”

Brancatisano agreed with Goriss’ sentiments and said the playing group was hungry to end the season on a high.

“We want to finish the season on a win,” she said. “Hopefully we can string it together for 40 minutes because Geelong are a tough opposition so we’ll work on it this week.”

UC Capitals take on Geelong Venom on Saturday from 3pm at AIS Arena.