SOME impressive shooting from behind the arc has seen Wyndham take game one of the Big V Women’s grand final series, after claiming an eight-point win over the Bulleen Boomers when the two teams locked horns at East Doncaster Secondary College on Saturday night.

Wyndham came into the game as the favourite, but for much of the game, the momentum belonged to Bulleen. The Boomers were outperforming the opposition, while the struggles came thick and fast for Wyndham. However, the minor premiers were able to wrestle back control of the contest in the final two quarters, grabbing the lead in the third and doing enough to take a 1-0 lead in the deciding series.

Bulleen Boomers (55) def. by Wyndham (63)

It was a tale of two halves, with the Boomers getting a scoreboard advantage in what was a scrappy opening quarter. The two sides produced contrasting game styles, with the Boomers looking to get the ball inside and score in the paint, while Wyndham was eager to move the ball around the top of the key and conjure scores from three-point territory. Unfortunately, that method was unsuccessful to start the game, with many shots proving wayward, and the Boomers took a handy lead into the main break.

The second half saw a turning of the tables, and Wyndham’s shooting finally got going as the visitors found the bottom of the net, and found themselves back in the game. Bulleen’s lead had suddenly vanished, and it was one-way traffic as Wyndham took the lead in the final five minutes of the third quarter, where its offence exploded. Leading by six heading into the final term, the momentum was with the ladder leaders, and despite a late push from the hosts, Wyndham managed to sink the required free throws in the closing minutes on its way to a 63-55 triumph.

The winning side was led by the efforts of Amanda Paschal, who did a little bit of everything and was a massive factor in Wyndham’s comeback. Her tough, contested three pointer on the eve of half time was massive for momentum heading into the final two quarters of play, and she continued that good work after the main break. Finishing with a team-high 22 points to go with seven rebounds (five offensive) and six assists, Paschal was a machine for Wyndham, and nailed some clutch free throws to seal the win in the fourth. Also impressive was Dyani Ananiev, who overcame a bout of wayward shooting from behind the arc to finish with a double-double. Her 17-point, 16-rebound effort was crucial in getting Wyndham over the line.

Olivia Bontempelli was the standout for the Boomers, and was a major reason why they were in front in the first half of play. After an eye-catching nine-point showing in the opening quarter, it was evident she was on for a big game. Finishing with 24 points for the game, Bontempelli did everything she could to get her side over the line.