By Alu J Kalinoe
In a surprising turn of events in the Premier Division face-off, Haidana Lightning upset Credit Corp Sparrows with a 38–30 victory, bringing an end to the Sparrows’ undefeated streak.
The game was evenly matched early on, with both teams tied 9–9 at the end of the first quarter.
The game was closely contested, with Haidana’s defensive duo, Magdalene Joseph at goal defense (GD) and PNG Pepe Wendy Wavuri Lau at goal keeper (GK), facing the tough challenge of containing the Sparrows’ attacking pair, Mary Leka at goal attack (GA) and the towering Elina Ripason at goal shooter (GS).
The defensive duo applied consistent pressure on the Sparrows’ shooters, forcing much-needed turnovers and rebounds to regain possession for their team.
Each turnover was converted into crucial goals by sisters Jindalee Kapi at goal shooter (GS) and Waira Kapi at goal attack (GA), helping Haidana stay ahead of the Sparrows’.
In the second quarter, Haidana edged ahead, scoring 9 points to the Sparrows’ 7, bringing the halftime score to 18–16 in Haidana’s favor.
Waira Kapi was substituted in the second and third quarters by Daislyn Pala and Eloise Vele respectively, who supported Jindalee Kapi in the shooting circle.
Haidana continued to build their lead in the third quarter, extending the score to 28–24.
The Sparrows’ defense fought hard in the final quarter, with Neritha Adula at GK, Iga Taviri at GD, and Shannez Apelis at WD in an attempt to close the margin and slow Haidana’s through-court transition in attack.
Unfazed, Haidana’s shooters remained composed, able to find the net and maintained their lead.
The final quarter saw Haidana Lightning extend their lead by eight points, scoring 10 points to Sparrows’ 6, to seal a 38–30 victory.
Other key substitutions throughout the game included PNG Pepe Alice Vagi at centre (C), who was replaced by Sarah Pene. Pene also featured at wing attack (WA) and was later substituted by Eloise Vele and Mareta Iamo. At wing defense (WD), Rose Maimu was substituted by Lani Kapapoita and Hoi Asi.
When asked about the best players of the game, Haidana Lightning Head Coach Ms. Annie Iamo stated, “I thought the shooters did very well, particularly the sisters, Jindalee and Waira Kapi.
“Then there’s the mid-court and the defensive side. Our defense is always strong, especially our WD, GD, and GK. Overall, the team did well. I believe the team spirit was there today.”
“On the defensive side, we’ve been trying out some new things, so we decided to test them today, and it worked. We managed to confuse the Sparrows’ attack.”
She added, “We have two more games left. Currently, we’re sitting third or fourth on the ladder. Now that we’ve beaten the top team, we might move up a bit, we’ll see how we go.”