Coming out of off-season is never a breeze, but the Carina Leagues Club Tigers proved to be in great form last Monday, taking home wins in both Sapphire (over Wildcats), and Ruby (over QUT) for Round One of the 2022 Hart Sapphire Series. New faces, new combos, and (several) debutants puts the Brisbane East region on the radar as a club not to underestimate. Despite some mixed results towards the end of 2021, both teams, armed with determination, have worked hard through the New Year in preparation for a killer season. So, what (and who) should you expect to see shine this year?
In the Ruby mid-court, make way for Maddy Sivyer. Opening the season as a Tiger-debutant, Sivyer’s agile play and transition through the mid-court worked smoothly alongside fellow debut athlete and mid-courter, Aaliyah Sheppard. On the bench, Queensland U17s shooter, Tia Crombie was in recovery from last weekend’s National Championships. The delayed debut is highly anticipated by coaches and teammates, with her height and strength set to add a new dimension to the Ruby line-up.
In Sapphire, Victorian recruits, Ella Spencer and Chevvone Thomson proved handy in the team’s hard-fought win. Spencer’s elevation and speed in the defensive circle earned her the coaches MVP award for the week. Thomson looked at home in the attacking circle with her co-shooters, Amy Sommerville and Tash Robinson. Her smooth movement and shooting accuracy was vital in securing an early lead in the game. Last (but certainly not least), Carina Leagues Club Tigers are proud to have Lightning Training Partner, Jada Gafa return for a second season in the Tiger stripes. With speed, agility and the ability to deliver pinpoint feeds into the circle, the Tiger attacking combinations are looking sharp.
Heading into round two, the Tiger’s squad are on the hunt and ready to take a second double-dub. Sapphire are set to take on the newly established Gold Coast Titans, while Ruby come up against the Brisbane South Wildcats.