Well, that wasn’t in the script.
Lefebre Rademan was going to shine on her debut and set the foundations for what will prove to be a devastating partnership with Sigi Burger in offence. Adean Thomas was going to demonstrate the ingenuity that makes her one of the league’s most discussed and precocious talents. And most importantly, the season opener against Surrey Storm provided London Pulse with the perfect platform from which to broadcast their Series Finals credentials.
Instead, Pulse were left to rue a poor start and finish to the match, and coach Samantha Bird cut a frustrated figure from the sidelines throughout as she saw her team fall to a 42-40 defeat to Storm.
Pulse Find Their Footing
Having trailed for all but one of the opening 25 minutes, Pulse took the lead for the first time in the third quarter, thanks largely due to the introduction of Kira Rothwell.
The goal attack’s introduction halfway through the second quarter ignited a spark for Pulse after an apprehensive start. Whereas Rademan was struggling to shake the defensive pressure of Yasmin Parsons and Leah Middleton in the first quarter, Rothwell’s ability to find space in the goal third was creating more opportunities for Burger in the goal circle who closed the gap between the two sides to just three points at half time.
Having seen her side struggle for large portions of the second quarter, Storm coach Mikki Austin would have Karyn Bailey to thank for remaining in the lead who was at 100% for shooting during the entire first half.
With better coherence in attack and Burger being ever-reliable under the net, Pulse took a deserved lead halfway through the third quarter. The slow tempo Parsons dictated the first quarter in was replaced by a freneticism and Ashleigh Dekker and Funmi Fadoju were able to capitalise on loose Storm passing.
This was in stark contrast to the first quarter where Storm exuded composure, and Parsons’ influence was helping create vital space for her teammates, and making sure Rademan was not able to create any meaningful connection with Burger. Constant defensive pressure meant Thomas and Rademan struggled to affect the game early on and resorted to hopeful direct passing, relying too heavily on Burger’s strength and height, which culminated in a six-point deficit for Pulse during the first quarter.
Pulse Can’t Hang On
Having worked so hard to wrestle the initiative back in the third quarter, Bird would have been desperate to see her team assert their dominance in the final quarter, but Pulse were unable to see it through to the final whistle, as they were comprehensively undone by a relentless court press from their opponents.
Extraordinary composure from 16-year-old Storm debutant Sophie Kelly at goal attack took the game away from Pulse who had no answer to Storm’s unanswered eight points during a five minute period in the final quarter. Pulse were clearly perturbed, and Olivia Tchine who was given the task of replacing the fatigued Burger was hindered by a lack of clear opportunities created for her by her teammates.
Speaking to Pulse’s official website, Bird said, “We are all disappointed about losing this opener – we had a slow start and fought our way back to be in front. Better discipline in sticking to task and maintaining our structures will be our focus on training this week before we take on Thunder”.
“Copper Box” by Neilhooting is licensed under CC BY
