Team Solent Kestrels couldn’t build on a positive first half performance as they ended up losing 73-50 to the Loughborough Riders at the Solent Sport Complex. Tilly Goddard led the home side with 9 points whilst Fernanda Loberto recorded 12 rebounds alongside 7 points in an energetic display and also had the most assists of the team with 2.
Faith McDowall continued her good form with 8 points and five rebounds as she built on her 13 point performance last time out against Barking Abbey.
The first quarter flew into action. Both the Kestrels and Riders went on the front foot as an all out attack approach saw both teams tally up their scored from drives towards the basket. Kostova-Dobrova used her physicality well in the post to make sure that the Riders couldn’t find consistent success with their finishing but the Kestrels struggled to take advantage meaning the first quarter ended with a slender lead of 18-22 to the visitors.
The second quarter couldn’t establish a clear difference between the sides either as the ball constantly travelled from one end of the court to the other as the transitional play of both sides was put to the test. The frantic nature of the game saw frequent trips to the foul line, with the Riders taking the most of the opportunities. The first half ended 32-36 as neither side could secure a grasp on the game.
The third quarter would prove decisive as the Riders found their groove and used their ball movement to exploit the gaps in the Solent defence. Scores from in the post and from long range meant it did not take long for a lead to be stretched out. By the end of the third quarter, the lead had been stretched from four to nineteen points as it ended 41-62.
The fourth quarter slowed in tempo as both sides sensed the result wouldn’t change too much as the Kestrel’s attack struggled to flow against the solid defence of the Riders. The deficit provided to be too much to overcome but consolation was found in the returns of Wilma Harryson and Florrie Cotterill as the game ended in favour of the visitors.
Kestrels now face a tough test back at the SSC this coming Saturday, with Thames Valley Cavaliers the visitors, you can secure your tickets for that game now.
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