Twidale and Mountaineers eager to clip Seahawks wings again

Fresh from a round 1 victory the Toowoomba Mountaineers are determined to keep their unbeaten record intact. Up against 2022 high-flyers the Seahawks they won’t have it easy in what is expected an intense and gritty clash.

Toowoomba Mountaineers women’s side during a break in play. Picture: Kevin Farmer.

The Toowoomba Mountaineers women are ready to play ‘giant killers’ again.

Their opposition this weekend, the North Gold Coast Seahawks, finished the regular season with a 15 and 1 record.

Unbeaten in their first nine games the Seahawks were stunned by the Mountaineers who snatched a 74-71 overtime win.

Flying high after getting a win in their opening round this season, the Mountaineers have used the bye week as a chance to correct their game one shortcomings.

“Even though we got the win against USC Rip City, there are elements that we were poor in,” coach Matt Cox said.

“The most alarming stat-line that came out of the game was the rebounds in both offence and defence.

“As we had a bye last round, it has allowed us to focus heavily on this during our training sessions ahead of our game this weekend.”

Away from home Cox said his side are expecting a tense encounter with the Seahawks.

Tracey Twidale of Toowoomba Mountaineers. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Backing up her coach’s sentiment surrounding their round one performance, 13 year vet of the club Tracey Twidale, 28, is confident her has put in the work.

“Rebounding was a major focus for us during training,” Twidale said.

“We have also been focusing heavily on starting games on the front foot and being really aggressive in our defensive areas.”

On top of this, Twidale explained that with a number of new additions to the side, there has been an emphasis on utilising each others skill sets to the fullest.

“With a lot of athletic girls in the side and our own individual skill sets, we have put extra emphasis on understanding each others game and making sure that we can then utilise each others strengths,” she said.

“We want to bring the culture of success back to the team after a few lean years, so definitely a top four finish and a championship is the goal for this year.

“As for my own goals, as a senior player, my focus is on being consistent in my game, playing well and providing that assistance and reassurance to those newer girls.

“If we are able to be ultra aggressive in our defensive structures and make sure that our shots are high percentage shots in good position we will put ourselves in good step for not just the upcoming game but our season as a whole.”

The Mountaineers play on Saturday, April 29 at 11am