Harvey Norman Ballarat Rush go down to a strong Bendigo Lady Braves in the season opener

Harvey Norman Ballarat Rush go down to a strong Bendigo Lady Braves in the season opener.

Written by Kasey Cornwell

The Ballarat Rush were defeated by Bendigo, 51 – 83 in a fast paced end-to-end game. There was little defencefrom both sides with the difference being the Lady Braves much better shooting percentage. New recruit Olivia Thompson was the team’s high scorer with 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Shenae Graves also worked hard with 10 rebounds.

Rush co-captain Kristy Rinaldi, didn’t think the side really came out prepared for the game, despite the hard preseason. Rinaldi and the team have a lot of work to do and want to quickly pick it up in preparation for the next game tonight. Head Coach Peter Cunningham, said the team lacked in simple decision making and poor ball movement. The team did not work hard enough in offence, according to Cunningham.

Rush Guard and game MVP Kasey Burton said while the loss was disappointing, it is definitely motivating, “you have to play your heart out and we obviously didn’t tonight” Burton expects the team to pick it up for tomorrow, especially after the team second guessed themselves a bit last night. Rinaldi who finished the game on 7 points and 5 rebounds wants the team to come out and be aggressive against Geelong and knock down their shots. The focus is also on improving the defence, and staying together as a group in order to implement their offences.

Against Geelong tonight Rinaldi wants the team to come out hard and want the win. She thinks the team was a bit complacent against Bendigo and need to be more prepared for tonight’s game against the Supercats. The team is positive they can use the first round loss as a motivator to come out strong against Geelong.

Peter Cunningham, plans on filing lasts nights game away and stresses they don’t have too much time to worry about it. He plans on having the team up and ready to play Geelong tonight. 

The Harvey Norman Ballarat Rush continues their season against Geelong, at the Geelong Arena at 6:00pm tonight.