Australia overwhelm New Caledonia in Oceania championship opener

Hope Terdich

Australia - New Caledonia 77:19

Australian selection got to an impressive start of their Oceania championship campaign on Northern Marianna Islands. They dismantled New Caledonia in the opener to set things rolling. Hope Terdich (192-F-86) nailed 13 points, pulled down 5 boards and issued 5 assists to lift Australia to the first win at the tournament. The Aussies marked their ambitions early as they thumped New Caledonians 20:3 in the starting stanza. Australia continued their onslaught in the next frame. The margin grew at 30-point mark at halftime as the encounter turned into a rather one-way traffic. Australia turned a bit sloppy in the second half slowing down the tempo. They sank just 1/13 from beyond the arc but dominated the boards to keep their opponents at safe distance. Australia drove to a 40-point advantage before the fourth term. They cruised to the victory in the final minutes. Caitlin Rowe (187-F/C-91) provided 12 points for Australia. Rebecca Campigli (177-G-90) and Nicole Seekamp had 8 points each in the win. Marie-Helene Trocas topscored for New Caledonia with 6 points. Yolaine Koteureu and Myriam Fenuafanote delivered 5 points each in the loss.
Australia will next face Guam on June 23, while New Caledonia will try to post the initial win when they take on Northern Marianna Islands tomorrow.

Australia: Hope Terdich 13, Caitlin Rowe 12, Rebecca Campigli 8, Nicole Seekamp 8
New Caledonia: Marie-Helene Trocas 6, Yolaine Koteureu 5, Myriam Fenuafanote 5