The Melbourne Vixens delivered a stunning performance to end the West Coast Fever’s unbeaten run in the Super Netball league, securing a 76-65 victory in Perth.
Despite coming off a loss to the Sunshine Coast Lightning and missing key midcourters Kate Eddy and Zara Walters, the Vixens led for most of the game at RAC Arena.
The crowd of 11,119, the largest for a Fever non-finals game, witnessed the Vixens’ exceptional play. The Fever conceded their highest score of the season and committed 23 turnovers, 10 more than the Vixens, who now share the top spot on percentage with both teams holding a 6-1 record at the halfway mark.
Vixens outscored the Fever 23-14 in the second period
Trailing by three at the end of the first quarter, the Vixens outscored the Fever 23-14 in the second period and 17-12 in the third, taking a commanding 59-48 lead into the final quarter. Despite two super shots from Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard that brought the Fever within six points with three minutes remaining, they continued to commit turnovers and were outscored 7-2 for the rest of the game.
Vixens’ goal attack Kiera Austin was a standout, missing only one of her 22 one-point shots and adding 16 goal assists. Goal shooter Sophie Garbin was equally impressive, finishing with 46 goals from 52 attempts. The Fever struggled to contain the dynamic duo, who were fed quality passes by Kate Moloney and Hannah Mundy.
“Kiera and Sophie had an amazing game,” Vixens captain Kate Moloney told Fox Sports. “They are just growing and growing each week, so I’m excited to see what they can keep doing.”
Seven intercepts
The Vixens’ defense, led by Emily Mannix, Rudi Ellis, and Jo Weston, was formidable, combining for seven intercepts. “Our defense end and our attack end really stood up today. I’m so proud of the girls,” Moloney added.
The Fever initially took the lead with Jamaican shooter Shanice Beckford’s four super shots, ending the first quarter 22-19. However, Beckford’s eight first-half turnovers under pressure from Mannix shifted the momentum. Fowler-Nembhard’s 43 goals from 47 attempts kept the Fever in the game, but it was not enough to overcome their errors.
Fever captain and midcourter Jess Anstiss acknowledged the team’s struggles: “We were quite hesitant throughout the game, (and) that hesitation was leading to us throwing it into their hands. We weren’t very good at that last week as well, so it’s something we need to look at.”
Despite the defeat, the return from injury of midcourter Kelsey Browne was a positive development for the Fever.
