The last thing Alicia Riley, Gemma Korpershoek and Zoe Mesman expected years past their prime on court for Launceston Tornadoes was to capture a national title.
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But the alumni trio went on to shock their interstate rivals, dropping just one game out of seven at the Big Hustle 3x3 tournament.
"So we thought we'd just go out and compete every game," Riley said.
"We just wanted to have some close games, basically.
"We weren't expecting that outcome at all. It was a pretty good achievement though."
The Tasmanians qualified for Geelong as the reigning open women's statewide champions back in February and were forced to find a fresh replacement for Torns teen Jess Johnston, absent over the weekend in Townsville at the under-18 nationals.
Riley, 36, Korpershoek, 33, Mesman, 30, called on 21-year-old ex-SEABL teammate Hayley Shephard to join Azen in the title charge.
The side never gave up the lead in Sunday's final to outlast Werribee 12-7.
"It was pretty good that we led from the start," Riley said.
"We were able to maintain them because they were pretty good outside shooters."
After their one-point win at Elphin Sports Centre in the all-Tasmanian final, Riley was surprised how well her the seasoned campaigners adjusted to the more hectic pace of three-on-three play.
"It is so quick and it is so fast that you've got to be on the ball straight away. It's actually really physical. It blew our mind away," she said.
"We didn't play like that over here [in Launceston].
"Our first game over there, you could pretty much push people out of court."
To add to the nature of contest, the competition was played outdoors, players had to shoot one side into the sun and account for winds just metres away from Corio Bay.
But the physical nature of the nationals did not dull their enthusiasm.
"You can drive to the basket, get absolutely pummeled and there's no foul, so it's totally next level, a step up," Riley said.
"We're all recovering and we've got lots of bruises, but it's just exciting to play something really different.
"We are all a bit older, but we were super pumped to play it because it's something very fresh."