The Gloucester City Queens are making their debut in the WBBL this season and life in the professional game has proved to be tough.
Through seven games this season in the WBBL Cup and WBBL Championship, the Queens have only managed to come out victorious on two occasions and have fell short by only a few points in multiple games.
But how has their season really been so far?
CUP: Cardiff Met Archers, 25th September
The first ever game for the Queens ended in heartbreak, as a valiant effort was halted and a 77-70 loss was handed to them by the Archers.
It was a superb debut for Marlee Ball, against her former team, as the Canadian scored 26 points and pulled in nine rebounds, but it was really Maura Fitzpatrick who stole the show.
The team captain recorded a double-double with 17 points and 15 rebounds, whilst also recording five assists.
Overall though, it was a tough loss in the opening game for the franchise.
CUP: Leicester Riders, 26th September
Back-to-back games for any team in any sport is always going to be tough and it’s going to be even tougher when you’re playing the previous WBBL Cup champions, the Queens learnt this very quickly.
Claire Abbott and Ball were the only players to reach double figures in the 81-46 loss in Cardiff, as the two scored 19 and 13 points respectively.
The lack of scoring options in the game for the Queens was on show and the Riders capitalised from this.
CUP: Oaklands Wolves, 29th September
Just three days on from the disappointing loss to the Riders and it was a complete change of heart for the Queens as they were victorious in their final Cup game to start the season.
A two-point victory was all they could muster, but it was all that was needed for the Queens to claim their first ever win as a franchise.
Once again, it was down to Fitzpatrick’s offensive skillset as the Ireland international scored 26 points on 67% shooting from the field.
CHAMPIONSHIP: Cardiff Met Archers, 2nd October
The first WBBL Championship game also happened to be the first ever home game for the Queens and what a performance it was.
They got the better of the same Archers side that beat them earlier in the season and comfortably took the victory 73-60.
It was another double-double for Fitzpatrick with 28 points and 14 rebounds and also a debut for Melita Emanuel-Carr.
The Commonwealth Games medallist scored 14 points in 24 minutes in her first game.
CHAMPIONSHIP: Durham Palatinates, 9th October
Just a week after their first ever victory, another was claimed in a 76-71 win over Durham.
Emanuel-Carr’s debut last week was a solid one, but her performance against the Palatinates was even better.
The guard scored 21 points, pulled in seven rebounds and dished out five assists, in the five-point victory.
CHAMPIONSHIP: Manchester Met Mystics, 17th October
It was a tough loss to take for Gloucester against the Mystics, as they returned home and took a narrow three points defeat.
Fitzpatrick shone, once again, scoring 26 points, whilst Emanuel-Carr added 18.
However, when it came down to the final minutes, the Queens were unable to overcome Manchester’s defensive performance and lost the game 69-66.
CHAMPIONSHIP: London Lions, 30th October
This is a game that will definitely need to be forgotten by the Queens, as the London Lions dominated the game from the start and claimed the 117-51 victory.
A poor offensive performance can be summed up by the scoreless third quarter from Gloucester.
Only Ball and Emanuel-Carr reached double figures for points, as the two combined for 25.
So far this season, the Queens can be happy with what they’ve achieved. As a brand-new franchise, everyone knew it was going to be tough, but the squad they’ve formed is already showing signs of championship potential.
What do you think? Let us know your thoughts and feelings on the season so far!
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