Launceston Tornadoes captain Lauren Mansfield celebrated her 50th game with the club with a win against Hobart Lady Chargers at the weekend.
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LAUNCESTON Tornadoes captain Lauren Mansfield celebrated her 50th game with the club in style last weekend gaining a much-needed win over Southern rivals the Hobart Lady Chargers and claiming the Mitchell-Greenwood trophy for the first time in four seasons.
‘‘It has certainly been frustrating in the past few years, as we had not been able to beat them, so it was a great feeling to finally get the win especially at home in front of our fans,’’ she said.
‘It was the win we needed too and a great result for my 50th game with the club.’’
‘‘I love it here and have a connection with the community and the fans are amazing as are my Torns teammates.
‘‘Each year we have been getting better on and off the court and I feel like we have grown together and it’s a great feeling to be now playing super–competitive basketball against the stronger clubs in the league and knowing that we’ve got a real chance to make play-offs.’’
The Tornadoes will look to back up from the Hobart victory with another win against Canberra at Elphin Stadium tonight.
Both teams are sitting fifth in their respective conferences and will be looking to secure spots in the top four with some early season wins.
The Torns were convincingly defeated by Canberra in round 3 in the ACT when the Torns forward Mikaela Ruef suffered a head injury in the first two minutes of the game.
To add to the challenge, Canberra have recruited the services of tall American forward Julie Forster.
They also boast WNBL star and Opals squad member, Stephanie Talbot who will be the focal point of their offensive and defensive structures.
Talbot is complemented by at least five other players with WNBL experience in Ellie Junod, Sarah McCappion, Alice Coddington, Kristen Longhorn and Tara Hay.
Despite this talented line-up Tornadoes coach Reece Potter believes his team are ready for the challenge and hungry for their next win.
‘‘This weekend is an opportunity to get one back on the Capitals Academy,’’ he said
‘‘While the Canberra side is loaded with experience and talent, I believe our group will be ready to go Saturday night to take the win and continue to build on our momentum from the Hobart game last weekend.
‘‘There is a long way to go in the season and this weekend’s match up is a crucial match as we continue to push for a play-off finish.’’
FAST FACTS:
WHO: Launceston Tornadoes v Canberra Capitals.
WHAT: SEABL round 6.
WHEN: Saturday , 6.30pm tip-off.
WHERE: Elphin Stadium.