THE South Coast Blaze claimed a double victory on Wednesday during their clashes with fellow new Premier League franchise, ACT's Capital Spirit.
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In the open's fixture, the Blaze began strongly with some tight defence by Peti Talanoa, taking the early 4-1 lead.
But they allowed Capital Spirit to come back with poor passing decisions.
A vital tip from Elicia Parrott in defence allowed the Blaze to push out the lead again - finishing the first quarter up by four 19-15.
The second quarter saw a strategic move with Abbey McFadden moving to wing-attack and Shelby Mallon entering the game at goal-attack.
The ball moved up and down the court consistently and, at one stage, the Blaze stretched their lead to nine, but with a few unforced errors, the margin was reduced to just six (33-27) at half-time.
Except for Chaise Vassallo moving into centre, the rest of the team remained the same for the beginning of the third quarter.
The Blaze gave away numerous turnovers at the start of third quarter, which allowed Spirit back into the game within one goal.
However, a sharp intercept by Te-Arn Bradley proved to be a game-changer and the Blaze led 51-39 at three-quarter-time.
In the fourth quarter, Chaise Vasallo (centre) and Abbey McFadden (wing-attack) combined to hit the circle edge and feed Kristina Brice (goal-shooter) to score a run of goals.
In the fourth quarter, Brittany Berry came on to replace Shelby Mallon at goal-attack.
Another solid intercept by Te-Arn Bradley gave the Blaze confidence and all of a sudden they were leading by 16.
Chaise Vassallo and Katelyn Begley also managed to intercept a few balls between them in centre court defence, helping the Blaze to take the game 69-49.
Then in the under 23s fixture, the match started with both sides trading goals, before a ball out the back of the Blaze goal line allowed Spirit to take the lead.
Midway through the quarter, the rolling substitutions begun with Lauryn Neto replacing Bilyana Milevski at goal-defence.
The Blaze managed to take the lead but accurate shooting from Spirit and wayward passes from Blaze allowed Spirit to lead by one (11-10) at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the defence tightened and the Blaze took the lead five minutes into the quarter.
Rolling substitutions continued with Ky-Mani Schwenke replacing Mia Evans at goal-shooter, Mia Evans replacing Emily Dunn at goal-attack and Jess Bowden moving to goal-defence - with Lauryn Neto moving to wing-defence.
This saw the Blaze take the lead by three (22-19) at half time.
In the second half, the Blaze began by keeping the same team out on the court.
Six minutes in, Emily Dunn came on at goal-attack and Kiah Yealland subbed in at wing-defence.
Strong defence from the Capital Spirit allowed them to creep back into the game but the Blaze managed to keep the lead by one (33-32).
The fourth quarter was tight in the beginning but was a much more consistent quarter for the Blaze.
Bilyana Milevski replaced Chloe Burden at goal-keeper to provide fresh legs and sharp goal circle feeds by the mid-courters allowed the shooters to record a more consistent scoring period.
Bilyana Milevski pulled off two really vital intercepts, Kiah Yealland was strong at wing-defence and Clare McCrohon steadied the ship at centre.
The Blaze won the final quarter 15-6, to claim victory by 10 goals (48-38).
Next round, both sides play Manly Warringah Sapphires, with the open's side, who are 2-7, at 6.45pm and the under 23s, who are 8-1, at 8.45pm.
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