The UC Capitals couldn’t have asked for a more exciting start to their WNBL season, securing a two-point victory over the Bendigo Spirit in a Round 1 clash at home last weekend.
The Caps opened their campaign showing plenty of fight, with Amy Atwell leading the game with an impressive 26 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
With just seconds remaining, Jade Melbourne had a chance to steal the win with a three-pointer, but the Caps held on to their narrow lead to come away with a thrilling 94 – 92 victory.
Now, the Capitals are ready to take that energy on the road as they prepare to face the Sydney Flames in their first away game of the season on Friday night.
Sydney have wasted no time making their mark this season, winning both of their opening round games following major roster changes in the off season. The Flames have welcomed some big names to their line-up, including Issie Bourne from Southside Melbourne Flyers, Jaz Shelley from Geelong Venom, Alex Wilson from Perth Lynx and Chinese superstar Yang Shuyu.
The Flames have already shown what they are capable of, beating Southside Melbourne 77-73 before dominating Adelaide Lighting 95-68 at home. Lauren Nicholson led the way, scoring 23 and 19 points across the two games.
With Sydney sitting at 2-0 to start their campaign, the Caps will face a tough challenge as they look to hand the Flames their first loss of the season.
Forward Sharne Robati, who made her Canberra debut in the season opener, is ready for the challenge knowing the Flames will bring plenty of speed and physicality.
“Sydney are super physical and super-fast as well, so just making sure we are physical first,” she said.
Since joining the Capitals, Robati has enjoyed settling into the group, and knows that she has an important role to play this Friday when she matches up with Australian Opal Issie Bourne.
“My job is just to be that person that can go out there and hustle, be physical, make some people annoyed, but to give my team some second opportunities to be able to score, and I’m happy with that role I’ve been given,” she said.
Head Coach Paul Goriss has also been impressed with what Robati brings to the team, highlighting the hard work and determination she contributes beyond the scoreboard.
“Sharne is one of those players where what she brings isn’t going to show up on the stat sheet. It’s the rebounding, it’s the effort plays, it’s the defence, it’s all these little things we have to give credit to her,” he said.
“That’s why she was high on my list to get her here, because she brings all those intangible things you need within a team,” he said.
Goriss knowns the Capitals will need to be at their best against a talented Sydney side, particularly on their home court.
“They are a very talented team, we got to play them twice in the preseason so we’ve got a feel for how they play and what their strengths are, so it will be a tough one at their home,” he said.
After an action-packed opening round, the Caps will be looking to build on their winning start and bring the same intensity to Sydney. With confidence growing and the season just getting underway, the Caps will be ready to bring the fight when they take on the Flames on Friday night.
The game tips-off at 7pm at the Quaycentre in Sydney, watch live on 9Now or ESPN via Disney+.
