Tara Murray
Some much needed backup is on the way for the Sunbury Jets in the Big V women’s championship division.
The Jets have started the season 1-2 as a new looking side took to the court against some of the best teams in the division.
The opening couple of rounds have come for the Jets, while their imports were still on the other side of the world.
Jets coach Ben Draper said they were looking forward to having their imports on the court.
Ida Andersson, was set to arrive last week, with Draper hoping she would suit up for the weekend’s two matches.
It will be a long awaited debut for Andersson for the Jets. She was meant to play for the club in 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic meant the season didn’t go ahead.
The club recently announced the signing of Maria Jespersen, who is currently playing in Spain.
Jespersen is expected to bring a lot of energy, the ability to score inside and out as well as change shots at the defensive end
Draper said she would arrive after Easter.
“The girls have been competitive and there has been improvement,” he said. “I’ve been impressed with how competitive we have been.
“The experience of the imports when they arrive, will help guide the girls and make them feel more comfortable on the floor.”
Draper said their first two losses had come against sides that were going to be in contention come finals time.
He said that the experience of the other sides had shown at key moments.
“We’ll be fine, we’re not panicking,” he said.
“We’ve shown glimpses of really good stuff, but we’ve had patches of inexperience, where they’ve been able to get away from us for a few minutes.”
Draper said Imogen Wardley continued to impress him with the 18-year-old fitting in at this level.
The Jets are set to face Wyndham and the Chelsea Gulls this weekend.
Draper said he was excited about what the side can do in the coming weeks.
“Once the new girls come in, our game style won’t change,” he said.
“We will be more confident and tougher to defend. We have no major scorer at the moment.
“We’ve been solid defensively, but have struggled at the offensive end. Hopefully Ida and Maria will help and will bring in some speed.”
