By JARROD POTTER
“IT’S out of the road now.”
Simple words from Pakenham Warriors women’s coach Darren Thomas after his side was humbled in its BIG V debut.
Pakenham was outclassed pillar to post by Casey Cavaliers in a 24-96 point drubbing in the Warriors’ inaugural clash in the BIG V Division-2 Women’s competition.
With a side on the rise and likely to contend for the championship, Casey flexed its muscles and brushed aside Pakenham in an extremely one-sided display.
The Warriors rallied after half-time to make some better moves defensively but still struggled to get over the half-way line against a full-court zone.
Once they broke through, shots still didn’t land as Pakenham shot at 20 per cent from the field.
A clash of sisters was the highlight of the night as Pakenham’s Mel Magdich squared off against younger sister Rebecca, who plays for Casey.
Leading the stat-sheet for the Warriors were Natalie Bjelan (6 points, 10 rebounds) and Peta Rhones (5 points).
“We had eight girls that were playing their first BIG V game tonight (Saturday) and it showed where we are in the grand scheme of things and what we need to work on,” coach Darren Thomas said.
“When we didn’t have the ball and set up our defence I thought we were ok, but they’ve obviously got some strong scorers and good shooters and whether or not they would have scored I don’t know.
“We’ll be better – they won’t get us by 75 next time.”
Pakenham plays its first home match on Saturday as it tips off against Mornington from 5pm at Cardinia Life.
