By Tara Murray
Sunbury Jets remarkable run has continued, with the side through to a third straight Big V women’s grand final series.
After claiming division 1 and then state championship titles in the past two years, the Jets are looking to make some more history this season.
While the Jets had two chances to win through to the grand final series, they only needed one, beating Knox Raiders on Saturday night.
In a game which could have gone either way, the Jets won 63-59.
Coach Kennedy Kereama said a win like that was a nice way to finish the week.
“It was a really good game from both sides,” he said.
“It was what we anticipated and we expected a game with lots of runs. I’m particularly proud of how we focused down the straight.
“Now we are a couple of games off possibly a championship.”
The two teams traded leads throughout the game, with the Jets starting well before the Raiders came back at them.
At three-quarter time the Raiders, who had finished on top of the ladder, led by four points.
The Jets turned up the defensive pressure in the final quarter, to win it 14-6 and take the win.
Kereama said the side’s experience and ability to lift in the final quarter was the difference.
“To hold them to six points was a nice surprise,” he said.
“The experience shone through down the stretch. I can’t commend the defensive efforts enough, it’s the reason why we came out on the right side.”
Josie Stockill top-scored with 16 points as all five starters scored between nine and 16.
Elyse Penaluna had a double-double, while Chelsea Burns had nine points, 10 assists and three steals.
Kereama said it was pleasing to have an even spread of scorers and it was a balanced act on the defensive end.
The Jets used just seven players on the night, but Kereama was quick to praise the whole playing group.
“Every player, whether they hit the floor or not, sill contributed.
“We have got the experience to utilise and it was the best group for the situation.
“The bench was really active in the game and was like a sixth man in the game … their communication was brilliant.”
Kereama said the full extent of what they had achieved so far was yet to sink in.
He said each of the past three seasons had been very different, but all amazing.
“It’s what we have been aiming for all season long,” he said.
“We’ve ticked off some things, now there’s one more goal we want to achieve.”
The Jets have a welcome weekend off this weekend, before facing either Knox or Southern Peninsula Sharks.
The first game of the grand final series will be held away, before game two and if needed game three, at Sunbury’s Boardman Stadium.
