Mackay Meteorettes suffer heartbreaking loss in season opener

Fans were treated to a high-scoring affair as the Meteorettes and Cyclones clashed in their opening game of the season, with Davida Dale putting in a standout performance for Mackay.

Davida Dale was electric for the Meteorettes in their 82-80 defeat amassing a staggering 28 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 6 steals and 2 blocks for the evening. Picture: Mitch Dyer

The opening round of the NBL1 North season presented a nailbiting rivalry match between the Mackay Meteorettes and the Rockhampton Cyclones.

The game was a seesaw battle, with both teams exchanging leads and the momentum of the game constantly shifting.

 However, the standout player of the game was undoubtedly Davida Dale, the US import for the Mackay Meteorettes.

The game started off well for the Meteorettes, but Rockhampton soon took control, with their star import, Samantha Bowman, leading the way.

By the end of the game, Bowman had an impressive 38 points and 20 rebounds to her name.

Davida Dale was electric for the Meteorettes in their 82-80 defeat amassing a staggering 28 points, eight rebounds, four assists, six steals and two blocks for the evening. Picture: Mitch Dyer

However, it was in the second quarter that Davida Dale began to make her presence felt on the court.

Dale was electric, running the floor like a seasoned pro and finding the hot hand of Courtney Virgo whenever she could.

But it was in the third quarter that Dale truly took over the game.

She rained threes all quarter long, with a huge quarter to lead the Meteorettes to score 30 points compared to the Cyclones’ 14.

Charlie Bliss also came alive this quarter, scoring and rebounding.

Davida Dale was electric for the Meteorettes in their 82-80 defeat amassing a staggering 28 points, eight rebounds, four assists, six steals and two blocks for the evening. Picture: Mitch Dyer

The fourth quarter was absolutely electrifying, with both teams going back and forth and the crowd in pandemonium.

With under 40 seconds to go, Dale hit a shot clock beating three-point shot to look to seal the game.

However, a sequence of Meteor fouls led to the Cyclones taking a 2-point lead with just three seconds remaining.

Drawing up a play to get the ball to Virgo, the star had to take a fadeaway jump shot on one leg to hit the rim, but it was not enough, and the Meteors lost by just two points.

Despite the loss, the Meteorettes can take heart in the performance of Dale.

Davida Dale was electric for the Meteorettes in their 82-80 defeat amassing a staggering 28 points, eight rebounds, four assists, six steals and two blocks for the evening. Picture: Mitch Dyer

She finished the game with an incredible 28 points, eight rebounds, four assists, six steals, and two blocks, with five three’s from six attempts and an overall shooting percentage of 71 per cent.

Her performance was truly remarkable and if she can keep this form up throughout the season, the Meteorettes will surely be one of the teams to watch out for.

After allowing a 17-0 run in the first the Meteorettes came together to brave out a tough loss to Rockhampton. Picture: Mitch Dyer

Head coach Jaimey Dovendan, who was coaching his first game after 10 years as an assistant, will surely be pleased with the performance of his team.

The Meteorettes have a lot to look forward to this season and if they can build on this performance, they will be a force to be reckoned with.