|
The Lady Kookas are back from a successful trip to Arizona with their winning record intact. Playing at the inaugural Duel in the Desert tournament in Mesa Arizona the Lady Kookaburras took a strong team of 15 players. Their main opponents the local Arizona Lady Hawks were last years contenders in the final at the National Championships. Also at the event was the newly formed Denver Lady Bulldogs helped out by several players from the Milwaukee Bombers.
The Lady Kookas and Lady Hawks were off first with the game starting at 8.15am and temperatures already climbing into the high 80s heading for the 100s, it was certainly trying conditions from the first bounce. There was little between the teams early in the game with both defenses on top resulting in a goalless first quarter. That was in part due to Judith Stein who was announced as Captain of the Kookaburras for 2008 season before the game and took a new role in the backline early, making sure not much or anything got through.
The second term saw Atlanta open up their running game with 5 unanswered goals. Cathy Reinhardt kicking two great goals and with Jenny Sarbacker creating many opportunities for her teammates the Kookas took the game away from the host team. Diana Pizzari was also playing very well but just before the first half clashed heavily in a pack and came off the field to take no further part in the day.
The second half of game and Atlanta added a goal in each quarter again preventing Arizona from getting on the scoreboard. Sharing the ruck duties was Katie Grist and Meghan Brown and the combination were too consistent for the opposition. The final score reflects the Lady Kookas dominance of the game in most positions on the field. A great start to the day.
Final Scores.
Atlanta 7.10 (52)
Arizona 0.0 (0)
Best Players
Atlanta: Cathy Reinhardt, Jenny Sarbacker, Nikki Peoples, Diana Pizzari, Meghan Brown.
Arizona: Tina Arend, Audra Woodward, Geri Jellison, Courtney Church, Andrea Casillas
Goalkickers:
Atlanta: Cathy Reinhardt 2, Jenny Sarbacker 1, Judith Stein 1, Katie Grist 1, Sue Marsh 1, Diana Pizzari 1
Arizona: Nil
Game two was just prior to midday against the Denver Lady Bulldogs who had also beaten the Lady Hawks later in the morning by a comfortable 26 points. All was set, under a blazing sun the new kids on the block and the undefeated Kookaburras. The first quarter was tough and close. Judith Stein had moved back to her more familiar role at full forward and kicked a goal early in the quarter. Alicia Houghteling for Denver replied only minutes later though and early it was all even.
The Lady Kookaburras were able after the first quarter time break to start and put together some better team play. Ann Collins was doing well at Center Half Forward and what Collins missed Stein cleaned up with 6 more goals for the game. Jenny Sarbacker, Nikki Peoples and Dewi Mitchell all had great games and whilst missing Pizzari in the middle the Lady Kookas were far too classy for their new opponents. The Denver team certainly were tough opponents though and considering 75% of them were playing in their first games of football this weekend their effort was highly commendable.
The Lady Kookaburras finished off the day well and whilst we expect to see their opponents get better towards the Nationals at the end of the year there is certainly plenty of room for improvement for the Kookaburras. Two great wins in the Arizona heat a great performance and a solid team performance with lots to happy about for coach Kraska.
Final Scores
Atlanta 13.10 (88)
Denver 1.0 (6)
Best Players
Atlanta: Judith Stein, Jenny Sarbacker, Nikki Peoples, Dewi Mitchell, Ann Collins
Denver: Jalyssa Miller, Kelli Modica, Lara Porter, Suzy Thomas, Ellie Frey.
Goalkickers
Atlanta: Judith Stein 7, Ann Collins 2, Jenny Sarbacker 1, Dewi Mitchell 1, Stephanie Powell 1, Betty Pat 1.
Denver: Alicia Houghteling 1.
Tournament Awards
· MVP - Jenny Sarbacker, Atlanta
· Most Consistent - Kelli Modica, Denver
· Leading Goalkicker - Judith Stein, Atlanta
|
