By Tara Murray
Sunbury Jets’ quest for a third straight title is on track after they took game one of the Big V women’s state championship grand final series.
It was the ideal start for the Jets, picking up the win on the road against Southern Peninsula Sharks.
The Jets set up victory in the first half, leading by 21 points at the main break.
They increased that in the second half, going on to win 85-50.
Jets’ coach Kennedy Kereama said they will be quickly back to business, with another victory required to win the title.
“It was a really pleasing result,” he said of the weekend match.
“As much as the good game it was, we have to make sure we don’t get caught up in it.
“Next week is a different story and they [Southern Peninsula] are a good team that will do their homework.
“It will be a lot closer this weekend.”
Kereama said the Jets’ defence was key to the weekend win. They kept the normally high-scoring Sharks to just 50 points for the game and 13 points or less in a quarter.
“Our defensive scout was really key to the game. The coaching staff did a really good job and did their homework,” Kereama said.
“It was executed well by the team.”
The Jets restricted young Sharks star Jazmin Shelley to just five points – she normally averages about 19 points a game.
Kereama said Kerryn Harrington did the job on Shelley for most of the night.
Harrington performed at both ends of the court, as she top-scored for the Jets with 19 points.
Kereama said Harrington did a heck of a job.
All five starters scored double figures for the Jets. The size of the win also allowed Kereama to give his bench some good minutes
“I was really happy with the contribution from everyone. Getting finals experience is really important,” he said.
The Jets find themselves in a familiar situation. For a third straight year, they head into game two of a grand final series 1-0.
Both game two and if needed game three, will be held at Sunbury.
Kereama isn’t expecting an easy run.
“It is nice to play in front of your home crowd when you’re playing for a championship,” he said. “Hopefully they will help us achieve what we set out to achieve this season.
“Hopefully we can bring home another one for the club.”
If the women’s side wins, it will be a second title for the Jets this season.
The division 1 youth league women’s side claimed the championship on Saturday night, defeating Keilor Thunder 68-45.
It is a second successive title for the Jets, which won the division 2 youth league title last year.
For more on the youth league side’s win, go to www.starweekly.com.au/sports.
