Melbourne Vixens

Melbourne Vixens Summer Challenge - Vixens wrap up day 2

Melbourne Vixens 41 v West Coast Fever 33 - Round 5 Court 1

The Melbourne Vixens started their second day of the Summer Challenge with a 41-33 win against the West Coast Fever.

Both teams came out firing but struggled to settle in the opening minutes of the match but it was the Vixens who found their rhythm first, taking the early lead. Fever’s Josie Janz and Eboni Beckford-Chambers put pressure on Sharelle McMahon and Tegan Caldwell, however the pair consolidated their new combination later in the first quarter with McMahon pushing the ball into clear space for Caldwell.

Vixens defenders Bianca Chatfield and Geva Mentor built on their strong combination, wreaking havoc for Fever goalers, Catherine Cox, Caitlyn Bassett and Kate Beveridge throughout the match with several tips and intercepts halting their flow.

Once the ball was in hand, the Fever goalers looked comfortable, happily sinking shots from far and wide.

The Vixens showed the depth of their squad and versatility with young Vixens Kate Moloney and Shannon Eagland slotting in seamlessly against an experienced Fever attack in Ashleigh Brazill, Shae Bolton and Beveridge.

The home side dominated the second quarter, gaining momentum and extending their lead to 21-14 at half time.

Both teams sported several changes coming out of the main break; Vixen Kate Moloney moved to C, Chatfield to GK, Steel to GD and Howarth to GA. The Fever put out a near new line up to inject some much needed energy, with Cox moving to GS, Millman came off the bench at GA, Bolton moved to C and Bruce came on at GK. Fever instantly benefited from Cox’s leadership and accuracy under the post.

Vixen Madison Browne provided consistent support to Moloney and Eagland, finding pockets of space with a great eye for opportunities in the circle. Fever defender Eboni Beckford-Chambers and Caldwell demonstrated their toughness in a fast and physical match up.

Despite some impressive plays from the Fever, it was the Vixens who maintained the control throughout the match, drawing strength from their increasing lead to finish 41-33.

Qtr time scores: 
1^st qtr: Vixens 11 v Fever 8
2^nd qtr: Vixens 21 v Fever 14
3^rd qtr: Vixens 31 v Fever 23
4^th qtr: Vixens 41 v Fever 33

Statistics:
Melbourne Vixens
Sharelle McMahon 10/13 76%
Tegan Caldwell 19/26 73%
Karyn Howarth 12/14 85%

West Coast Fever
Caitlyn Bassett 8/10 80%
Catherine Cox 14/15 93%
Kate Beveridge 7/7 100%
Lisa Millman 4/4 100%

Melbourne Vixens 41 v Northern Mystics 28 - Round 7 Court 1

It was a case of a 2012 Semi Final rematch between the Melbourne Vixens and LG Northern Mystics, with the much anticipated match drawing a large crowd at the Summer Challenge.

Much to the crowd’s delight, McMahon started in goal attack partnering with Karyn Howarth in the circle. Additional player Caitlin Strachan started at wing attack, resting Madison Browne. 

The LG Northern Mystics came out of the starting blocks strong with goalers Catherine Latu and Lavinia Vaitohi slotting the first three goals, and defenders Jessica Moulds and Julie Corletto preventing the Vixens from scoring for the first three minutes of the opening quarter.

The Vixens soon found their groove as McMahon and Howarth settled into the new combination and rotated the circle fluidly, thanks to McMahon’s speed and quick thinking and Howarth’s ability to hold and create space. 2013 signing Elissa Macleod's dedication, physicality and experience was on display as she sprinted down the court both on attack and defence. Defensive pressure and smart attack helped the Vixens push out in front, leading 10-7 at the first break.

The Vixens line up remained unchanged in the second quarter helping the team to gain momentum and push the lead out further. Mystics attack Elisapeta Toeava and Bailey Mes struggled to penetrate the Vixens Shannon Eagland and Geva Mentor’s defence. The home side went into the main break 23-11.

Both sides experimented with new combinations coming out of half time, with Kate Moloney coming on a C, Caldwell GA, McMahon GS, additional player Caitlin Strachan WD. The Mystics brought Kayla Cullen off the bench to C, Mes WD and Jess Bourke to GK.

The visiting side came out of the break with a vengeance, young gun Cullen and Mes a solid duo through the mid court, but the Mystics struggled to convert points on the scoreboard.

There were flashes of brilliance as Mystics goaler Catherine Latu delighted the crowd with no look pop passes and speedy hands, and when the Mystics got a run on, they were unstoppable down through the court. However, the Vixens fought hard to put a stop to any momentum the Mystics gained.  

New Vixen signing Erin Hoare came on at goal shooter in the final quarter, who had 10 cm on Jess Bourke, helping to see the Vixens to their final win of the Summer Challenge 41-28.

Qtr time scores:
1^st qtr: Vixens 10 v Mystics 7
2^nd qtr: Vixens 23 v Mystics 11
3^rd qtr: Vixens 33 v Mystics 21
4^th qtr: Vixens 41 v Mystics 28

Statistics:
Melbourne Vixens
Karyn Howarth 16/18 89%
Sharelle McMahon 14/20 70%
Tegan Caldwell 5/5 100%
Erin Hoare 6/8 75%

Northern Mystics
Catherine Latu 17/19 89%
Lavinia Vaitohi 11/20 55%