STOL-Grasshoppers DS1 earn a place in the play-offs

STOL-Grasshoppers is, with 2 more games to play, assured of a place in the play-offs in the 1st Division.

Saturday night, the team from Katwijk treated Landslake Lions to a rare 3rd loss in a row when they won in Cleyn Duin by 58-55.

STOL-Grasshoppers are tied for 3rd place in the competition. If they eventually end up at that place, they will again meet the team from Landsmeer. Otherwise, their opponent will be Challenge Sports, the number one in the competition.

In the last home game for STOL-Grasshoppers in the regular competition, Lions missed captain Molly McDowel due to an injury. That didn’t influence the narrow lead for STOL-Grasshoppers at the end of the first quarter 11-10. Both teams defended fiercely, which meant that STOL-Grasshoppers scored mostly from outside (5 3-pointers in the first half).

A productive 3rd quarter brought STOL-Grasshoppers in the lead (25-17). The hometeam dared to play more inside, and benefited from the many personal fouls by scoring 9 out of 10 free throws.

At 46-46, the score is again tied. Two minutes before the end of the match, the visitors were in the lead by 49-53. Then the American Kelli Valentine tied the score again with a score followed by a bonus. In the exciting last minute, STOL-Grasshoppers tightened their defense and kept their nerves in check. They determined the end score from the free throw line.

Topscorers Grasshoppers: Manuputty 18, Valentine 14.