DS1 suffer an undeserved loss from Celeritas Donar

The STOL-Grasshoppers first division ladies team were unable to take the points in an exciting match against Celeritas Donar from Groningen. The team’s catch-up race in the fourth period doesn’t result in a win. The last minute is crucial, and Groningen draws the longest straw.

STOL-Grasshoppers take a small lead in the first minutes of the first period. The scores come from Julia Dijkman, Missy Mitidiero, and Rianne Philippo. In the 5^th minute, the visitors have taken an advantage of 10-13. Groningen is given too many second chances, as the rebounding power from STOL-Grasshoppers initially fails. They also have trouble holding onto the ball. Groningen widens their lead to 14-21. In the last two minutes, STOL-Grasshoppers play harder and faster. They now box-out well, and the offensive plays are better. Again, a strong playing Carola de Jong makes a couple of scores to bring the score at the end of the period to 18-23.

In the first 1 ½ minutes of the second period, STOL-Grasshoppers come closer by though a good defence (help-side), rebounds, and scores. But within 2 minutes they give away a 0-10 run to Groningen. STOL-Grasshoppers are playing too hastily in the offense, missing lay-ups, and suffering ball loss. Then they pull themselves together and fight their way back in the match. Scores by a good playing Meghan Hutchens bring the home team back in the game. Unfortunately, the last score is for Groningen. A period stand of 18-18 brings the halftime score to 36-41.

Carola de Jong opens the third period with a 3-pointer. STOL-Grasshoppers are now defending well. Then follows a few minutes when Groningen is given too much room and directly take advantage of it. In the 5^th minute the score is 45-54. The STOL-Grasshoppers offensive plays are not going well, and they are again experiencing ball loss. The home team has the fighting spirit, but they are unable to translate it into scores. They lose this period by 15-22. End of the third period is 51-63.

The first score in the fourth period is again for STOL-Grasshoppers. Mitidiero scores two 3-pointers in a row. Eline Kraayenoord is boxing out well and is strong in the rebounding. The stand in the 3^rd minute is 59-65. The loyal home crowd loudly encourage their team. Groningen is in trouble and is given a technical foul for comments made. Mitidiero stays cool and scores the free throws. The next score brings the stand to 68-70 in the 5^th minute. With 3 minutes to go, the score is tied.

A technical foul by the coach of Groningen brings STOL-Grasshoppers in the lead with 2 free throws. After a 3-pointer by Philippo, the score is 77-74 with 1 ½ minute to play. Groningen scores inside, but doesn’t make the free throw: 77-76 with a minute to go. The tension is unbearable, and the supporters are firmly behind the team. Then the referee makes a crucial error. He mis-reads coach Bo Melis raised arms (used to show his disappointment after a missed opportunity) as a derogatory signal to the referees, and punishes him with a technical foul. This means 2 free throws and the ball for Groningen, which means (with 40 seconds to play) the difference between winning and losing. With 30 seconds to go, the STOL-Grasshoppers lead has changed to a 3 point deficit. Although a score by Hutchens bring them close again, the necessary personal fouls by STOL-Grasshoppers bring Groningen again to the free throw line. The match ends at 79-85.

Scores: Carola de Jong 13, Charley Kranstauber 4, Missy Mitidiero 18, Karin Kuyt 0, Rianne Philippo 13, Anouk Breel 0, Ingrid vd Plas 4, Willeke Krijgsman 0, Meghan Hutchens 18, Miranda Harteveld 0, Julia Dijkman 5, Eline Kraayenoord 4.

Next Saturday, the team plays an away game against the competition leader, ProBuild Lions, in Landsmeer.

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