South Wrap | Women's Round 1

Featured image: Jason Hill / @Pinnacle_Images

Abbey Ellis had 59/21 in a pair of NBL1 South wins for the Diamond Valley Eagles with Maddy Rocci hitting the winner after a triple-double for Keilor Thunder with Tasmanian road doubles for Nunawading Spectres and Frankston Blues.

>> SOUTH SPOTLIGHT | SABRES TAKE CHARGE LATE TO BEAT FALCONS

>> SOUTH SPOTLIGHT | COBRAS BREAK DROUGHT IN GEELONG

>> SOUTH SPOTLIGHT | LUPFER SHOOTS SPECTRES TO FIRST UP WIN

FRIDAY

Hobart Chargers (67) lost to Nunawading Spectres (99)

Riley Lupfer lit up the NBL1 East in 2025 and has started in a similar vein in the NBL1 South knocking down seven three-pointers in a first up 99-67 road win for the Nunawading Spectres over the Hobart Chargers.

It was the Spectres who got rolling early, though, with gun recruit from the NBL1 East's Albury-Wodonga Bandits Lupfer showing the way as they built an 11-point lead by quarter-time.

That was out to 26 at half-time and got to as much as 37 in the second half before they went on to secure the eventual 32-point road win to begin their Tasmanian double to open the new season.

With Lupfer hitting seven of those three-pointers, Nunawading knocked down 15/37 as a team while shooting 49 per cent overall from the field opposed to just the 33 from the Chargers who also went 9/38 at 24 per cent from behind the three-point arc.

She finished with 23 points and three assists on 7/12 three-point shooting with all her shot attempts coming from outside the arc.

Kylee Blacksten also impressed for Nunawading with 21 points, 12 rebounds and three assists with Eliza Bollingsworth doing a power of work for 19 points, 12 boards and five assists on 9/15 field goal shooting.

Sharna Thompson ended up top-scoring for the Chargers with 17 points with seven rebounds and two assists with Tishara Morehouse adding 15 points, five assists, four boards and two steals.

Portia Chopping also contributed 14 points with 4/9 three-point shooting with Chloe Broomhall ending up with 14 points and 11 rebounds on 6/8 shooting.

Northern Force (81) lost to Frankston Blues (83)

The Frankston Blues ran down the Northern Force to spoil their NBL1 South debut on Friday night with the two-point road victory.

Forming out of the Launceston Tornadoes, the Force will be competing as the second Tasmanian women's team and they were first up against the Blues at Ulverstone Sports and Leisure Centre.

Frankston were knocked out in the first round of the finals last year but started strongly to lead 29-22 by the end of one before the Force turned things around with a 29-18 second term to be leading 51-47 at half-time.

The Force then led by as much as 10 points in the fourth quarter but Frankston got rolling to overrun them and secure the eventual two-point win with clutch free throws from Emily Monaghan and Josie Pinkerton.

Monaghan ended up with 24 points, five rebounds, three steals and two assists for Frankston with 10/13 field goal shooting with Lou Brown putting up 20 points and 13 boards.

Pahlyss Hokianga also had 14 points, three rebounds and three assists, and Jacqui Trotto nine points and four steals.

Keely Froling dominated first up for Northern with 29 points, 14 rebounds, three blocks and two assists with 10/11 free-throw shooting.

Sarah O'Neill also had 11 points and three rebounds for the Force, Millie Baker 11 points and six boards, Josie Pinkerton 10 points and four rebounds, Rebekka Kaladjiev 10 points, seven assists and six boards, and Nikki Parker 10 points, two assists and two steals.

SATURDAY

Geelong United (71) lost to Kilsyth Cobras (86)

Georgia McBean made the most of her increased opportunity with a match-winning performance for the Kilsyth Cobras as they beat Geelong United to open the season with a first win since June last year.

The Cobras hadn’t won a game since beating the Waverley Falcons on June 21 last year before losing the last six games of the season to finish with a 5-17 record.

They were ready to fire to start the new season, though, and had opened up a five-point lead over Geelong by half-time before pushing that out to 86-71 by the final buzzer.

Kilsyth ended up shooting 12/30 at 40 per cent from downtown opposed to the 4/23 at 17 per cent from Geelong along with having 20 fast break points to five.

There was a lot to like in the first up win from Kilsyth with Georgia McBean leading the team she's battled hard with for the last three seasons waiting for more opportunity to open up. She grabbed that on Saturday with 25 points, five rebounds and three assists with 5/10 three-point shooting.

She had plenty of help too with Emme Shearer putting up 15 points, seven rebounds and five assists, Hannah Day 12 points and five boards, and Catelyn Van Es nine points seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks.

Jordan Vasquez was impressive first up for Geelong finishing with 21 points, 16 rebounds, four steals and three steals on 8/16 shooting from the field and 5/7 at the foul line.

Indiah Bowyer also had 16 points, five rebounds and four assists for Geelong with Lilly Rotunno contributing 13 points, four boards, four assists and two steals, Dakota Crichton eight points and four rebounds, and Reagan Bass eight points and five boards.

Hobart Chargers (76) lost to Frankston Blues (77)

It was a second straight Tasmanian thriller for the Frankston Blues and again they pulled off the heart stopping win beating the Hobart Chargers 77-76.

The Blues came from behind to beat the Northern Force on Friday ahead of backing up against the Chargers at Hutchins School on Saturday.

Hobart lost first up the previous night by 32 points to the Nunawading Spectres but they started well to be leading by five at quarter-time and 10 at the half against Frankston.

The Blues fired back with 28 points to 19 in the third period to set up the nail-biting finish with Pahlyss Hokianga hitting the game-winning three ball to take Frankston from two points down to the one-point triumph.

It was the lone three-point make and attempt in the game for Hokianga who had eight points and three assists with Lou Brown starring with 23 points and 20 rebounds.

Emily Monaghan also had 13 points and two assists, Sophie Alexander 12 points, four rebounds and two steals, and Jacqui Trotto six points, nine boards and two assists.

Sharna Thompson delivered 25 points, eight rebounds and three assists for Hobart with Chloe Broomhall delivering 15 points, 12 boards, four steals and three assists, Tishara Morehouse 13 points, six assists and three rebounds, and Portia Chopping 10 points.

Ballarat Miners (97) defeated Bendigo Braves (76)

Six Ballarat Miners players scored in double-digits and they made a terrific start to the new season with the 97-76 home win against the Bendigo Braves.

Both teams missed finals last year and have made plenty of off-season changes including welcoming new coaches with Brendan Joyce in charge at Ballarat and Tess Madgen for Bendigo.

The Miners did open up a 14-point first half lead but it wasn’t until a 33-19 fourth quarter that they put their first win to start the new season to bed to the tune of 21 points.

The impressive depth of Ballarat was on show with Malia Fisher top-scoring with 23 points and nine rebounds but she had plenty of support.

Elissa Brett added 18 points, six rebounds and five assists on 5/11 three-point shooting, and Laura Taylor 18 points, nine boards and four assists on 6/10 shooting from behind the arc.

Constance Hobby also had 17 points and 11 rebounds, Taya Webb 11 points, seven assists and six rebounds, and Abbey Wehrung 10 points, 10 assists and six boards.

Kelsey Griffin is fresh off a brilliant WNBL season and kept that form going for Bendigo with 20 points, nine rebounds, four steals and two assists.

Olivia Pollerd also had 19 points with 3/4 three-point shooting while Mia Harvey contributed 13 points, three boards and two assists, and Kelly Wilson 11 points, 13 assists, nine rebounds and three steals.

Dandenong Rangers (75) lost to Casey Cavaliers (87)

Sharne Robati produced 25 points and 13 rebounds as the Casey Cavaliers started their season beating the Dandenong Rangers 87-75.

The Rangers started the new season at home at Dandenong Basketball Stadium after losing in last year's finals in straight sets as they hosted a Casey outfit who narrowly missed the playoffs.

The Cavs took charge in the second period with 32 points to 19 on the way to setting up the eventual 12-point win to make an encouraging start to 2026 under coach Joe Turner.

Robati starred in the win for Casey with 25 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and three steals with 11/16 shooting from the field and 3/6 from three-point territory.

Nyaduoth Lok also had 23 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals with Dallas Loughridge contributing 17 points, six assists, four boards and two steals, and Vanessa Tavete 11 points on 3/4 three-point shooting.

Manny Puoch put up 19 points, 13 rebounds and two steals for Dandenong with Holly Griffiths adding 13 points, six boards and three assists, Cat MacGregor 12 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals, and Nyadiew Puoch 11 points and seven boards.

Diamond Valley Eagles (103) defeated Eltham Wildcats (95)

The Diamond Valley Eagles held out the fast finishing Eltham Wildcats for the first up 103-95 home win with Abbey Ellis starring with a double-double and seven three-pointers.

The Eagles opened the new season hosting the Wildcats at Diamond Valley Sports and Fitness Centre and they made a flying start to be leading 62-40 already by half-time.

Diamond Valley's lead got out to as much as 24 points early in the second half too before Eltham built some momentum and went on a 16-0 run to make things interesting.

The Eagles responded with their own 10-0 to go back up 13 and eventually win by eight to start the season with Ellis outstanding with 28 points, 10 rebounds and four assists with 7/12 three-point shooting.

Erin Riley added 20 points, five rebounds and five assists, Alex Sharp 20 points, eight boards and three assists, Tayha Watkins 15 points, six assists and four rebounds, and Shannon Dufficy nine points, six boards and two steals.

Lil Dart was brilliant for Eltham with 37 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals with 7/16 shooting from behind the three-point line.

Mackenzie Smith added 15 points and three assists, Bec Pizzey 14 points, 15 rebounds and five assists, Jayde Cadee 13 points and three assists, and Sarah Elsworthy 11 points and four assists.

Ringwood Hawks (76) lost to Mount Gambier Pioneers (98)

The Mount Gambier Pioneers delivered a strong all-round first up showing to start the season beating the Ringwood Hawks 98-76 on the road.

The Pioneers finished last year on an eight-game losing run to miss finals ahead of taking on the Hawks at The Rings with Ringwood losing in the playoffs last year first up to the Waverley Falcons.

Mount Gambier took charge of the match up in the second term with 36 points to 22 and then held Ringwood to just six points in the third quarter on the way to the eventual 22-point triumph.

The depth of the Pioneers was on show in the win with Grace Champion producing 21 points and four rebounds with Ti'lan Boler putting up 20 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three blocks with 6/8 three-point shooting.

Carla Pitman also had 18 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds and two steals, Lara Edmanson 17 points, seven boards and three steals, and Kelsey Rees 16 points and six rebounds.

Emma Clarke made her debut for Ringwood and had 22 points and 11 rebounds with Taylor Mole adding 20 points and nine boards, and Honey Kaur 19 points and five rebounds.

Keilor Thunder (79) defeated Knox Raiders (78)

Keilor Thunder gave up a 17-point lead but then Maddy Rocci pulled the win out for them at the buzzer as they prevailed in a heart stopper 79-78 against the defending champion Knox Raiders.

The Thunder started the new season at Keilor Stadium hosting the defending NBL1 South and National championship winning Raiders.

They made a flying start too to be leading 27-15 by quarter-time and remaining in control with the 46-30 advantage at the half-time break.

Keilor were still leading by 17 points in the third quarter but then Knox fired back and got in front thanks to a Kristy Wallace shot with a minute to play.

It was Rocci who had the last say, though, with the game winning bucket just before time ran out and that ended up sealing the one-point win for the Thunder in a dramatic finish.

Rocci ended the night with 37 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for the massive triple-double capped off by hitting the game winner.

Lara McSpadden added 18 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks for Keilor, Izzy Wightman 12 points and six boards, and Macey Boyle six points and nine rebounds.

Alicia Froling delivered 18 points, 18 rebounds and three blocks for Knox with Kristy Wallace adding 18 points, five boards and four assists, Taylah Simmons 15 points on 3/4 three-point shooting, and Haliegh Reinoehl 12 points and six rebounds.

Northern Force (82) lost to Nunawading Spectres (98)

Riley Lupfer knocked down another six three-pointers to continue her hot start to life in the NBL1 South to lead the Nunawading Spectres to the 98-82 win over the Northern Force.

Lupfer hit seven threes on Friday night in Nunawading's win over the Hobart Chargers as they backed up on Saturday against the Force at Elphin Sports Stadium.

The Force were hunting a first win in the NBL1 South but it was going to be tough when the Spectres produced a 34-point second quarter to go into the half-time break leading 54-34.

Nunawading's lead was out to as much as 33 points as well early in the fourth quarter but the Force did finish with a flurry with 35 points in the last term including 13 straight to cut the final margin to 16.

Lupfer was again lethal for the Spectres with 24 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and two steals with 6/15 three-point shooting.

Eliza Hollingsworth also had 22 points and 12 rebounds, Rachel Antoniadou 16 points and 10 assists, Kylee Blacksten 12 points and two steals, Kate Tanner 10 points and three steals, and Keeley Frawley 10 points and three rebounds.

Keely Froling was a dominant presence for Northern with 36 points and 14 rebounds with 13/26 field goal shooting while going 5/11 from deep and 5/8 at the foul line.

Josie Pinkerton added eight points and four rebounds, Rebekka Kaladjiev eight points and eight assists, and Millie Baker six points, six assists and five rebounds.

SUNDAY

Ballarat Miners (74) lost to Diamond Valley Eagles (84)

The Diamond Valley Eagles made it a double win weekend to start the season with the 84-74 road win on Sunday over the Ballarat Miners.

Both teams were in action on Saturday with the Miners starting life under coach Brendan Joyce beating the Bendigo Braves while the Eagles won at home against the Eltham Wildcats.

Ballarat remained at Selkirk Stadium but Diamond Valley kept their momentum going from the previous night to open up a 50-33 advantage by half-time.

They converted that into the eventual 10-point victory with Abbey Ellis again brilliant with 31 points, 11 rebounds, four steals and two assists.

Erin Riley added 14 points, eight assists and six rebounds, Victoria Ikenasio 12 points and nine boards, and Alex Sharp 12 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocked shots.

It's a 1-1 start the season for Ballarat with Constance Hobby producing 22 points and 12 rebounds with Malia Fisher adding 18 points, eight boards and two steals.

Abbey Wehrung also provided 13 points, 10 assists and three rebounds, Elissa Brett 11 points, seven assists and four boards, and Taya Webb seven points, nine rebounds and two steals.

Melbourne Tigers (77) lost to Mount Gambier Pioneers (95)

The Mount Gambier Pioneers made it a double road win weekend to start the season with another strong all-round showing to beat the Melbourne Tigers 95-77.

The Tigers were starting their season on Sunday at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre with the Pioneers attempting to back up their Saturday win by 22 points against the Ringwood Hawks.

They went a long way to making sure of that with 27 points to 11 in the first quarter and then another 35 to 17 in the second term to go into the half-time break on top 62-28.

Melbourne might have won the second half 49-33 but still the Pioneers cruised to the 18-point win with Lara Edmandson delivering 23 points and 13 rebounds on 10/14 shooting.

Ti’Ian Boler added 21 points, two rebounds and two steals, Kelsey Rees 16 points, 11 boards and eight assists, Carla Pitman 15 points, six assists and five rebounds, and Grace Champion 12 points and six boards on 3/5 three-point shooting.

Hannah Giddey delivered 26 points, seven rebounds, four assists, three blocks and two steals for the Tigers with Isa Brancatisano adding 21 points and eight assists, and Tylah Hooper 12 points.

Waverley Falcons (60) lost to Sandringham Sabres (71)

The Sandringham Sabres shook off a horror start where they couldn’t keep hold of the ball but dominated the last quarter to set up their 71-60 season opening road win over the Waverley Falcons.

The Falcons opened up an 11-point lead on their home floor in the first quarter and were still clinging to the two-point advantage at half-time having forced the Sabres into 17 turnovers and despite shooting just 13/41 from the field and 3/15 from downtown themselves.

Scores were still level by three quarter-time before Sandringham scored the first eight points of the fourth quarter which set them up for the eventual 11-point win on 51 per cent shooting from the field opposed to the 30 from Waverley, and despite their own 27 turnovers.

Funda Nakkasoglu was outstanding the longer the game went for Sandringham to end up with 24 points, three rebounds and two steals with 4/9 three-point shooting.

Klara Wischer added 14 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and two blocks on 7/9 shooting with Isis Lopes contributing 12 points, five boards, three assists, two steals and two blocks, and Lucy Cochrane 10 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocked shots.

Millie McCarthy is in her second season in the NBL1 South for Waverley having made the move in 2025 after starting her NBL1 career in the West with her local club the Perry Lakes Hawks.

She stepped up impressively with 17 points, eight assists and three rebounds as the point guard.

Sophia Locandro also provided 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks with Tayla Dalton contributing nine points, eight boards, four assists and four steals, Georgia Pineau eight points and three steals, and Hannah Rapp five points and eight rebounds.