STOL-Grasshoppers DS1 lose from Lekdetec.nl

STOL-Grasshoppers failed to win an important home match for the 5th place in the play-offs. Lekdetec.nl went home to Bemmel with the well-earned points, 75-82. A sick Heather Stec scored 23 points and took 13 rebounds. Missy Mitidiero and Karin Kuijt were the other Katwijk’s ladies in the double figures, respectively 19 points and 13 points. Ingrid van de Plas took 10 rebounds. Rianne Philippo sat in her street clothes on the bench after being sick for a week and a half.

The match has a slow start, and after 4 minutes it’s 7-6 on the scoreboard. Karin shoots 7 of her 13 points in this quarter and keeps STOL within sight of Bemmel. The offensive plays are not working well against the zone that coach Robin Hollander has his team playing. Only in a few instances is the attack played well, which leads directly to a score. Unfortunately, it’s too little to close the quarter in the lead. After 10 minutes of play, it’s 16-17 for the team from Bemmel.

The second quarter is the same story. Only then it’s Heather who scores 9 points of the total 18 in this period. The scoring goes up and down in waves, and the shot percentage is disappointing. After 4 minutes, both teams have only managed to score twice. Then Lekdetec.nl places a mini run of 6-0, which is answered by a mini run of 7-0 by the team from Katwijk. This keeps the match exciting, and at halftime both teams are equal at 34-34.

“It was really difficult tonight”, admits Bo Melis after the game. “After playing well in the last two matches, tonight was not the same level. It’s too back, especially looking to the next match.” (The semi-final cup match against Wereldtickets.nl next Tuesday in Leiderdorp at 20:15)

The third quarter begins better for STOL-Grasshoppers. Both teams manage to score better in the first minutes, and then STOL-Grasshoppers take the initiative for the first time. Via well-played attacks under the board, STOL puts the opponent under pressure. Via Heather, Anouk, Missy, and Julia, they take a lead of 49-43 after 6 minutes. The momentum ends there, and STOL manages only 2 more scores via the free throw line. Lekdetec stays in the scoring race, and the period ends at 51-48 for STOL.

After 4 minutes in the fourth quarter, it’s again another story and another stand on the scoreboard. Now Lekdetec.nl starts strong, and the home team is unable to score in the first 4 minutes. This results in a 12-0 (!) run for the visitors and a 60-51 lead for the team from Bemmel. Via time-outs and substitutions, coach Bo Melis tries to turn the tide. At first, it seems to have effect and STOL, via 3-pointers from Missy, comes back to 3 points (57-60). Then Lekdetec.nl widens their lead to 8 points with 2 easy scores. The last 4 minutes take a long time, especially because STOL is determined to take the victory at all costs. This doesn’t work well and gives Lekdetec.nl chances at the free throw line. They take advantage of their chances and keep their 8 point lead until the end. The 2 points go well-deserved back to Bemmel and STOL-Grasshoppers can prepare for the semi-final cup match next Tuesday at 20:15 in Leiderdorp. Then it’s an away game on Saturday to Groningen for the last match of the regular competition.

“This was a match we have to quickly forget.” according to coach Bo Melis after the match. “We have to pick ourselves up and concentrate on the upcoming matches on Tuesday and Saturday. After that the play-offs begin, and that is something we can look forward to. This is a good result for us, semi-final cup and a place in the play-offs, 3 matches before the end of the competition.” Bo Melis closes with: “So, at least that’s a positive ending, and then Rianne will be playing again and we’ll we complete.”

Period stands: 16-17; 18-17; 17-14; 24-34;
Scores & rebounds: Heather 23pts and 13 rebs; Missy 19pts; Karin 13pts; Anouk 8pts and 7 rebs; Ingrid 6pts and 10rebs; Julia 5pts and Eline 1pt