On Saturday 4th May, Oxford University Women’s Basketball 1st team won against Imperial College 1st team 55-41, in the Premier South Playoffs. Oxford W 1 made a significant move in the race to defend their spot within the Premier South league, whereas bot of its competitors, Imperial 1st and Bournemouth 1st are hoping to be promoted.
Despite a hard season finishing last of their league, Oxford W1 coached by Julie Fricke obtained a victory against Imperial with a breakthrough in the third quarter, which they won 12-6. With a slow start on the Oxford side in the first quarter, Imperial’s early dominance faded as both teams ended with 24 points at half-time.
This low-scoring game became much livelier in the second half. Oxford grew in confidence with a good rotation of players. The low post Tania Fabo and her determination under the basket were key in this second half. As Imperial began to tire, Oxford upped the pace with Julia Xerri and Mia Hassoun running the team’s offence with much vivacity. The last quarter saw the distinguished apparition of the shooting guard Virginia Schmid in the position of a low post, while her teammate Tetyana Vasylyeva and herself were playing their last home game at Iffley Road Sports Centre.
It was team work on the part of each player that led Oxford W1 to their first league victory of the season. Against the odds, the team has stood as a strong unit the entire season, which culminated in shoeing the Tabs back in March. Having grown in their game, they worked hard together to build a great lineup of motivated players for the next academic year. Whether it will be as part of the Premier South league or not, their next game on Monday, 13th May will tell.
Image credit: Oxford University Basketball
