DS1 lose in end phase

Last Saturday was the 2nd round of the ½ final of the play-offs for the ladies 1st Division competition. In a full sport hall Cleijn Duin, STOL-Grasshoppers played against ChallengeSports/Binnenland. The team from Rotterdam took control in the end phase of an exciting match.

STOL-Grasshoppers begin good in the match, with an aggressive defense and a high tempo in the offense. Julia and Kelli are able to easily find the basket and the score is 15-7 after 6 minutes. Unfortunately, Kelli is forced to the bench with an ankle injury. After a time out, Challenge Sport come closer (18-16), but STOL-Grasshoppers take over again and finish the 1st period with a 10 point lead (26-16).

The 2nd period starts with equal scoring. Eline is rebounding well, and is also managing to score (34-25 after 4 minutes). Then, it’s the fast Hochstetler (15 points in this quarter) who personally reduces the lead to 2 points, but still in favor of the home team.

After half-time, ChallengeSports goes to a zone defense, while STOL-Grasshoppers stay with a sharp man-to-man. The scoring goes back and forth. Charley keeps Hochstetler from scoring, and Karin is shooting well (4 of 5 3-pointers). With 3 minutes to play it’s 60-54, but the team from Rotterdam is able to catch up.

The 4th quarter begins at 60-60 and the supporters are ready for a thrilling end. Charley opens the scoring with a 3-pointer. Kraak and van Andel make 2 scores each on the other side. Rianne scores twice from faraway. Both teams give everthing they have, and the excitement mounts. Kraak scores again, and with 3.20 minutes on the clock, Corine shoots in a faraway 3-pointer to again tie the score at 72-72.

Then ChallengeSports are awarded a series of free throws, and the scoring stops for STOL-Grasshoppers. ChallengeSports take 14 free throws in this period, while STOL-Grasshoppers are allowed 4. The Rotterdamers take advantage by scoring 12 of their free throws. With 1 minute to play, it’s 72-82 and the match is decided. Even though they lost, the team from Katwijk can leave the court with their heads held high.

Period scores: 26-16; 16-24; 18-20; 16-24.
Points: Rianne Philippo 17, Karin Kuijt 14 (+8 assist), Corine Manuputty 13, Julia Dijkman 10, Eline Kraayenoord 10.
Rebounds: Eline Kraayenoord 8, Julia Dijkman 7.

The stand is now 2-0 for ChallengeSports. Next Tuesday is the 3rd match of the series in the Topsport Center in Rotterdam. The match starts at 20:00 and STOL-Grasshoppers has to win to stay in the race.