As many as five players from the Aragonese side recorded efficiency ratings above 10, although the standout performers were Ornella Bankolé and Veronika Vorackova, who each posted a rating of 16 and proved dangerous at both ends of the court. Fingall, meanwhile, produced offensive numbers she rarely displays, scoring 15 points in the game.
As many as five players from the Aragonese side recorded efficiency ratings above 10. Photo: Alejandra Castellanos
With the Mirai Euskotren–Leganés game still to be played, Cantero's side sit alone at the top, with attacking and defensive numbers that no other team has been able to match at this stage of the competition.
THE GAME
Carlos Cantero opted for a strong starting five at the Navia Sports Hall, made up of Mariona Ortiz, Aisha Sheppard, Helena Oma, Nadia Fingall and Nerea Hermosa. Just before the game began, Miguel Méndez, the national team coach, Cristina Cantero, the national team's assistant coach and Celta coach, and Mariona Ortiz were presented with an award for the bronze medal won at the World Cup.
The opening was marked by a lack of fluidity in the red-clad side's play, with free throws their only source of points. However, an 8-0 run by the Vigo side, inspired by Ronsiek, put them 12-6 ahead. Cantero responded by calling a timeout with three minutes remaining in the first quarter to readjust his systems and try to turn the adverse scoreline around.
The stoppage helped the Aragonese side raise their level and, although somewhat unconvincingly, they ended the first quarter with a narrow lead after a final 0-7 run capped by a Yarden Garzon three-pointer to make it 12-13.
Cantero's side shifted up a gear and their defense proved insurmountable for a Celta team unable to find solutions against the red-clad side's defensive structure. At the same time, their offense began to flow, with Casademont Zaragoza scoring more in the first five minutes of the quarter than in the previous 10, two factors that allowed them to take a 13-point lead into halftime (23-36).
SECOND HALF
The red-clad side shifted into cruising speed and quickly put together a 0-7 run to move 20 points ahead. The game appeared to have little left to tell, but two technical fouls called against Casademont Zaragoza, along with Gakdeng's strong contribution from inside the paint, brought the home side slightly closer on the scoreboard. However, a strong finish by the Aragonese side ensured the 20-point lead remained intact heading into the final quarter at 41-61.
There was little the Vigo side could do against an Aragonese team rolling at the start of the season, and the final 10 minutes demonstrated the quality this team possesses. The 31-point winning margin was clear evidence that, at this moment, it is extremely difficult to stop the red-clad side's offensive whirlwind.
GAME DETAILS
Celta Femxa Zorka (52): Leslie Vorpahl (-), Samson (2), Sabel (3), Ronsiek (10) and Gakdeng (13) –starting five– Uxía Rodríguez (2), Bermejo (10), Gea Becerra (3), Salinas (9) and Rodríguez Vidal (-).
Casademont Zaragoza (83): Mariona Ortiz (2), Aisha Sheppard (7), Helena Oma (4), Nadia Fingall (15) and Nerea Hermosa (3) –starting five– Ornella Bankolé (11), Merritt Hempe (3), Veronika Vorackova (10), Laia Flores (7), Yarden Garzon (12), Kristine Vitola (4) and Carla Brito (5).
Quarter scores: 12-13/11-23/18-25/11-22.
Officials: Jacobo Rial, Laura Piñeiro and Carlos Betanzos.
Match note: Game corresponding to Round 3 of the Liga Femenina Endesa, played at the Navia Sports Hall in Vigo.
