The Pandas had their unbeaten record brought to a halt tonight in the closest of matches losing by just one goal to Bayside 36-35 at the Mount's Bay Academy Dome, Penzance.
Ironically our team took two of the four quarters and finished equal in one with the third and only quarter won by Bayside proving the influential factor.
Our girls battled to the very last second with their outstanding work rate and clean play on court a tribute to this team. And yes these Pandas are fighters - after licking their wounds the chat on the mini bus focused on how they're going to turn the tables in the return home match.
The first five minutes set the scene with the teams scoring goal for goal. The pressure was intense on the court and on the bench!
The first quarter saw the teams equal at 7 goals all with the Pandas taking a one goal advantage in the second quarter to lead 19-18.
Bayside fought back urged on by their home supporters scoring well in the third quarter clocking up 8 goals to our 5.
On the back foot the Pandas regrouped coming back fighting with every bit of their hearts to clock up 11 goals. It was a credit to see our shooters overcoming the closest of marking which made life very difficult for them to operate.
If only are two simple words - but if only we had five more minutes the end score could have been very different but it was Bayside who snatched the win.
Sophie Tucker was the opposing team's choice of player of the match with our coach Sarah Medlin selecting Megan Hampton as the Pandas player.
"What a battle!" said Sarah. "Everyone gave 100% and we all know there are aspects of our play we can work on."
Captain, Hannah Steadman agreed: "There's lots to improve on. In all honesty I'm incredibly gutted along with the rest of the girls. But we gave everything tonight and I'm proud of everyone. And now it's all about focusing on our final match of 2022 against Penzance next Monday and going out for the win. We've worked so hard - it's a blow to lose but I'm confident we will bounce back even stronger."
The Pandas would like to thank our umpire Claire Spears and awesome scorer Jackie Carr and top chauffeur John Carr. And congratulate Bayside on their win.
Kathryn Pearn - Chair
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