NSW Swifts host Queensland Firebirds in ANZ Championship
The Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre hosts the Round 4 match between the New South Wales Swifts and Queensland Firebirds in the ANZ Championship on Sunday.
The Swifts are currently ranked seventh in the table with two points. They finally broke into the winning column after beating the Waikato/BOP Magic 49-47 last week. Susan Pratley topscored with 26 goals while Carla Dziwoki added 23.
The Firebirds also have two points after posting one win in their first three matches. The defending champions are coming off a 58-32 demolition of the Central Pulse.
Romelda Aiken was unstoppable for Queensland, converting 38 of her 48 attempts. Natalie Medhurst backed her up with 20 goals.
NSW coach Lisa Beehag instructed her players not to concentrate their defense on Aiken as there are also other notable players in the Brisbane-based club.
"The Firebirds are a dangerous team. You can't focus all your attention on one player because if you place too much emphasis on shutting down Aiken then Medhurst will hurt you and vice versa," she told the ANZ Championship official web site.
"From a team perspective, we'll be focusing on full-court pressure and also our ball speed. We talk about ball speed each week which means we have to have bodies in motion, good vision and the confidence and trust to let the ball go."
The Firebirds are also looking forward to a thrilling match-up against the Swifts, who won the inaugural ANZ Championship in 2008.
"There has been a lot of focus on what we need to do to play well, as well as counter-acting the Swifts players," Queensland captain Lauren Nourse said.
"In the past we have been a team that travels quite well and enjoys playing away from home, everyone enjoys road trips and time away together."
