TU Lions match report

Lions... 'Queens' of the Jungle!

at Billingham Campus, 18/11/07

Tees United Lions 29-23 University of Teesside

Lions female team took to the floor in their first ever game with the University of Teesside bringing their second team as opponents. Lions displayed their dazzling new uniforms and although Charlie Collins was missing the team boasted a strong squad of eleven players including new signings Lizzie Grant and American Brittany Krimsky.

The game opened up with Stephanie Edwards hitting the first basket for Lions to take a 2-0 lead in the first minute. It took two minutes for Tees Uni to reply and when they did, it was via two powerful plays from Dagny Veinberg. Uni took the lead 2-4 and continued with their momentum as Veingberg received the ball inside the key for another strong move, although on this occasion she was stopped by a Katie Dodgson foul. Veinberg went to the line but missed both attempts. The introduction of Emily Manders would tie the game as Manders collected the ball from just outside the key to hit a nice jump shot. Dodgson then increased Lions lead as she converted the lay up on a fast break, the steal and pass coming from excellent defensive work by Edwards. At the end of the low scoring first quarter, the game was tied 6-6 thanks to a last second effort from Tees Uni's Shelley Fletcher.

The second quarter was a fantastic start for Lions as the girls played good organised defence and then finished off their shots. Katie Dodgson, Stephanie Palmer and Brittany Krimsky combined well to earn Lions a 8-0 run and stretch the lead to 14-6. Tees Uni coach Mxolisi N'Dlovu was not happy with what he was seeing and called a time out, a tactic which would have the desired effect as Lions would only score one more basket in the seventh minute, a baseline jump shot from Katie Burton. Tees Uni would only score 5 points themselves but could have tied the game if it had not been for 1/5 free throws. As it was Lions would finish a more relieved team than happy after their impressive start to the quarter but still worthy leaders 16-11.

After the break Lions continued their trend of hitting the first shot as Dodgson powered her way to the hoop. Veinberg replied twice, with both shots from inside the key to bring the Uni girls within three points and then to within one as Fletcher hit a shot just outside the key. The excellent defending of Edwards would help halt the Uni run as Edwards collected rebound after rebound and steal after steal in a great performance. New signings; Grant and Krimsky would combine in the final three minutes to add a further five points and finish the quarter still in the lead 23-19.

In the fourth quarter a rejuvenated Tees Uni team entered the court intent on turning the game and almost did. The seemingly unstoppable Veinberg hit the first two baskets to tie the game 23-23. Krimsky was quick to respond for Lions with two determined and skilful moves in the post, both resulting in baskets and regaining the 4 point lead. From this point forwards and for the final six minutes, the game would provide a tense and exciting finish as both teams battled, but failed to find the target on offence, until Katie Lamb hit the final shot of the game for Lions to secure a 6 point win, 29-23.

A good win therefore for Lions female stars as all but three players marked the score sheet.

Veinberg was the player to stop for University of Teesside and she top scored with 17 points. The Game MVP though could have gone to three of Lions players in Katie Dodgson, Brittany Krimsky and the eventual winner Stephanie Edwards. Dodgson and Krimsky both enjoyed good all round games but could have been even better had it not been for some easy misses and turnovers. Edwards only scored 2 points but was the inspiration behind the teams victory. Her defensive presence was a major factor and she ran the ball well and contributed well on offence with 3 assists.