BENDIGO Lady Braves star Ashleigh Karaitiana says she is thrilled with the team’s perfect 3-0 start to the season, but insists there is room for improvement.
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The Braves made it three-straight wins with a 94-46 dismantling of Albury-Wodonga Bandits at Bendigo Stadium on Sunday.
Young guard Kara Tessari led the way with 31 points, including a staggering nine from 12 three-pointers, while Nadeen Payne had 18 points and eight rebounds.
The win left the Braves women as one of only two undefeated teams in the competition alongside Nunawading Spectres (5-0).
Karaitiana, who is in her first season with the Braves, said she was pleased to get some continuity in the season after the team had a bye in between its week one win against Diamond Valley Eagles and week three win over Hobart Chargers.
“I don’t think that break came at the best time for us, we had to rebuild and refocus for our following games,” she said.
“But a 3-0 start, I wouldn’t want it any other way.
“I think everyone has fit in very well, I’m getting to play the position I enjoy playing – everything is falling into the place.
“I really give credit to the girls for the weekend, we had an awesome training week, our coaches did an awesome job scouting them and everyone did a great job on defence.
“Once everyone does their job on defence, offence comes easy.”
Karaitiana revealed Tessari’s 31-point performance – in only her third SEABL game – had come on a special day for the 19-year-old.
“The awesome thing about it was it was her dad’s birthday, so happy birthday dad,” she said.
“But that’s the Kara I know – that’s the Kara that her family has watched for however many years.
“For her to come out and just shoot the ball whenever she is open, if people don’t guard her, she is going to hurt them.”
Coach Megan Moody had no hesitation in declaring it a ‘breakout game’ for Tessari.
“We all know she can do it so it’s going to do wonders for her confidence as well,” she said.
“It also shows our group is so versatile with the depth that we have in the roster.”
The Braves women head to Canberra this weekend for matches against the BA Centre of Excellence and Canberra Capitals Academy, with Karaitiana insistent there was still plenty to be worked on for the Braves.
