UPDATE: The Whittlesea Pacers have kicked off their return to the Big V Women’s Division 1 finals in spectacular fashion, defeating the Altona Gators 70-63 on August 12, 2023. This victory marks a significant milestone for the Pacers, who have not had a women’s team for several seasons and now find themselves in the finals after securing second place on the ladder.
Coach Shannon Bodley expressed his pride in the team’s achievement, stating, “Finishing second is a huge achievement.” This is particularly notable given many teams have played together for several years. Bodley emphasized the importance of teamwork, saying, “They played really well as a group,” highlighting their progress as a newly formed team.
The game, held in front of a home crowd, was fiercely contested. The Pacers maintained a narrow lead throughout, starting with a five-point advantage at the end of the first quarter. Bodley remarked, “It was up and down and fast-paced,” indicating the intensity of the match. Despite the Gators’ attempts to close the gap, the Pacers held their ground, showcasing their resilience and strategic play.
In a standout performance, Tegan Cunningham led the scoring with 22 points and nine rebounds. Bodley praised her contributions, likening her impact to that of an international recruit. “She’s been getting better and better, like us as a team,” he said.
As they advance in the finals, the Pacers will face the Craigieburn Eagles, who had a bye in the first week of finals. This matchup is set to be challenging, as the Eagles claimed the minor premiership and have been at the top of the ladder all season. Bodley acknowledged the difficulty ahead, stating, “They are the top team for a reason and they will be hard to beat.”
In a bittersweet turn, the Pacers will be without Indiana Bodley, who suffered an ACL injury and broken wrist in the same game. This loss adds to the team’s challenges, yet Bodley remains optimistic about their depth and ability to compete.
As the Pacers prepare for the showdown against the Eagles, fans are eager to see if they can secure a spot in the grand final. Bodley stated, “Hopefully, it’ll be a fantastic game,” as the team looks to continue their impressive journey in the finals.
Stay tuned for updates on this exciting playoff series as the Pacers aim for glory in the Big V finals.
