The Loughborough Student Riders women's first team progressed to the final of the National Trophy this weekend after a hard-fought win over Newham Nassa Stars.
In front of a good home crowd Loughborough shot to an early lead and thanks to some strong defence, held Nassa to just 14 points in the first quarter. The Student Riders kept up their defensive intensity and despite repeated fouls extended their lead to 13 going into the fourth quarter.
The final period saw the game pace increase however it was too little too late for Nassa as Lucy Buxton and Fiona Scarlet saw Loughborough through to the win.
Women's Head Coach, Matthew Harber, was pleased with the win:
"I want to say how hard I thought both teams played and each team showed a lot of tenacity, particularly down the stretch. It's not easy playing a game of that importance so soon after the Christmas break, but both teams responded well and no doubt our two remaining league games against NASSA will be just as competitive.
“This is a very exciting time for the programme, with it being our first year with a women's National League team at the University. Of course we're looking forward to the final against Manchester. However, before then we have a lot of work to do in our league play in an attempt to remain undefeated and that is our current focus as of now."
Loughborough will now face Manchester Mystics in the Trophy Final on February 5 at Nottingham Wildcats Arena, the game tips off at 4pm.
