Mavericks emerged victorious over Northumbria on Saturday, winning 45-36.
Bello stars in comfortable victory
Mavericks defeated Team Northumbria 45-36 in Hatfield on Saturday night.
Mavericks started well and remained one step ahead of Northumbria throughout the course of the game.
Strong shooting from Australian GS Carla Dziwoki kept Team Northumbria in the game but it was not enough in the end.
Northumbria's mid-court worked the ball around the circle effectively, feeding Dziwoki and GA Vicky Phillips but they still trailed 24-18 at the half.
Mavericks continued to build on their lead and although tall GS Emma Lower was brought on by Team Northumbria to try and turn the tide the home side prevailed 45-36.
Promise
Mavericks Louisa Brownfield was understandably delighted at the win and hailed the performance of WD Stephina Bello.
Brownfield said: "A good two points for us and Stephina Bello is developing into a player that the Mavericks can rely on."
However while Brownfield was happy with the result, coach Kendra Slawinski was not completely satisfied.
She said: "I was pleased to use a variety of combinations that show great promise, however the error rate is far too high at this level."
Her opposite number Denise Eagan took some positives from the loss, adding: "I was pleased the game was well contested and had the opportunity to use our whole bench."
Mavericks: GS: Ella Clarke, GA: Louisa Brownfield, WA: Chioma Ezeogu, C: Chrissy Fitzgerald, WD: Stephina Bello, GD: Hayley Schofield, GK: Naida Hutchinson
Shooting percentages: L. Brownfield: 27/33: 82%, M. Hall: 7/10, 70%, G. Wiseman: 4/7: 57%, E. Clarke: 7/14, 50%. Overall Team: 70%
Team Northumbria: GS: Carla Dziwoki, GA: Vicly Phillips, WA: Talei Bari, C: Marie Ewing, WD: Tessa Burton, GD: Natalie Connor, GK: Sarah Penny
Shooting Percentages: C. Dziwoki: 29/32, 91%, V. Phillips: 3/8, 38%, E. Lower: 4/6: 67%. Overall Team: 78%
Q1: 11-8
Q2: 24-18
Q3: 37-17
Q4: 45-36
