By Rosie Gale
The Vixens continue their red-hot streak, following up last week's sensational performance against the Fever with a commanding 14-goal victory over the GIANTS at John Cain Arena.
Despite their recent crucial victory against the Mavericks, the GIANTS couldn't replicate the intensity shown by the Vixens, who carried the momentum from their near-flawless performance against the Fever in the previous round.
The veteran trio of Kate Maloney, Jo Weston, and Emily Mannix, boasting over a decade with the club, showcased their experience as they suffocated the GIANTS' lineup. Meanwhile, Sophie Garbin delivered a stellar performance, guiding the Vixens to victory.
With Jo Harten a late withdrawal, replaced by Kelly Singleton, and Jamie Lee Price sidelined with a knee injury, the GIANTS turned to the experienced Gina Crampton in a bid to fill the void.
After going goal-for-goal, the Vixens made the early break after Hannah Mundy stole the ball from Amy Sligar, allowing Sophie Garbin to click into gear and push the Vixens ahead by two.
Despite Sligar's immediate response, Mundy's relentless defense led to another intercept, which Austin converted to extend the Vixens' lead to three.
A missed shot by Sophie Dwyer was expertly smothered by Emily Mannix, while Kiera Austin's wayward pass over the baseline gave the GIANTS a chance, only for Matisse Letherbarrow to miss the mark.
Austin then fired the first Super Shot, increasing the Vixen’s lead to four, and after a tactical timeout, another Super Shot extended it to seven.
Hannah Mundy started brilliantly, amassing 48 Nissan Net Points, five goal assists, six centre pass receives, eight feeds, two intercepts and a deflections inside the opening 15 minutes to provide a spark in enemy territory.
The Vixens maintained their dominance, forcing the GIANTS into high ball swings, and despite Leatherbarrow's Super Shots, the Vixens capitalised in the Power Five to lead 19-12 at the first break.
The Vixens continued to control the pace in the second term even as Leatherbarrow opened the scoring with a goal under the post from a GIANTS center pass.
A pivotal deflection from Rudi Ellis, expertly backed up by Jo Weston, paved the way for another Vixens goal. The Vixens' defensive strategy forced the GIANTS to play wide, predominantly sourcing feeds from the pocket, while their own disciplined play limited the GIANTS' opportunities to win ball.
Hands over pressure from Jodi-Ann Ward was not enough to disrupt Austin, the Diamonds GA, who showcased yet another disciplined performance, building on her MVP-worthy display from last week.
Mannix was outstanding following up last week's stellar performance with two crucial intercepts and relentless defensive work against Sophie Dwyer, and working in tandem with Ellis who raked in a rebound, intercept and deflection for the quarter.
The GIANTS struggled to convert their gains, missing crucial opportunities throughout the quarter. Down by nine with eight minutes remaining, the pressure mounted. The Vixens continued their onslaught, with another crucial pickup by Mannix, leading by eight as they entered the Power Five.
Amy Sligar began to get involved for the GIANTS but Kate Moloney was diligent in her role on running machine Sam Winders.
Mundy continued to motor for the Vixens with seven goal assists and 9 feeds.
Leatherbarrow nailed her first Super Shot of the second term, narrowing the gap to within seven. However, the Vixens' composed and methodical approach, coupled with their dominance in the middle channel, propelled them to a commanding nine-goal lead at halftime.
After being beaten in the conversion rates from turnovers in the first two quarters, the GIANTS dialled it up at the source to start the third term. Introducing Gina Crampton into the WA position for her SSN debut infused a new dynamism into their attacking lineup, revitalising their efforts and injecting fresh energy into their game plan.
However there only seemed to ever be one option in attack for the GIANTS and as is so often the case, the GIANTS failed to capitalise, and their opposition looked to make them pay.
The Vixens' relentless full-court defensive pressure was on display as Goal Attack Austin swooped in for an impressive intercept in the midcourt. With precision and poise, the Vixens seized the opportunity, extending their lead to 10 points and applying immense pressure on the struggling GIANTS.
Dwyer notched her first Super Shot of the game with just three minutes remaining in the third term, signaling the need for many more to bridge the gap.
For the Vixens, Sophie Garbin continued her stellar form in 2024, asserting her dominance as the leading goal scorer. With an impressive haul of 42 Nissan Net Points for the quarter, she converted 15 out of 16 attempts, further solidifying the Vixens' stronghold on the game. Heading into the final quarter, the Vixens maintain their commanding lead over the Giants (53-39).
The GIANTS made strategic changes, reintroducing Maddy Hay into the mix for Sam Winders at C, while Erin O’Brien replaced Matilda McDonnell at GK in the final term. This tactical move aimed to add height and counteract the high aerial balls targeting Garbin and Austin.
Garbin's performance four-quarter performance had been outstanding, delivering relentless effort and precision throughout the entire game. Despite facing double coverage, she maneuvered with purpose and flawless timing, leaving defenders struggling to contain her and leading the Nissan Net Points with Kate Maloney. With just over five minutes left in the game, she stretched the lead to fourteen with a clinical shot under the goal.
Leatherbarrow nailed her fourth Super Shot, narrowing the deficit to within four, but Garbin remained relentless, adding to her impressive stats with a Super Shot of her own.
Dwyer's Super Shot narrowed the deficit to 13, but the GIANTS' effort came too late to make a significant impact. Despite a setback when Garbin took one to the face, she managed to convert a penalty goal under the post, maintaining the Vixens' winning streak with a 74-60 victory. With just one loss this season, the Vixens displayed their dominance, marking their highest score ever at John Cain Arena and against the GIANTS.
