BENDIGO Lady Braves guard Bianca Dufelmeier will miss the team’s next two SEABL games against Sydney Uni Sparks and Albury-Wodonga Bandits with a foot injury.
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The 25-year-old sustained the injury during training last week and missed the Braves’ hard-fought 81-67 win against Canberra Capitals Academy on Friday night.
She is aiming to return for the team’s June 29 clash against Geelong Supercats at Bendigo Stadium.
Dufelmeier, who is in her second year with the Braves women, is one of six players still on the roster from the team which was beaten by the Supercats in last season’s national championship decider.
Her absence against Canberra did not prevent the Braves women from registering their 11th straight win.
Watching from the sidelines, Dufelmeier said the Braves were made to fight hard for the win.
“Credit to Canberra, they came to play and did a great job,” she said.
“It probably wasn’t one of our best performances, but that’s one of the good things about our team, we find a way to win.
“Canberra came out ready to go – Keely Froling (21 points, 11 rebounds) didn’t take a back step, neither did Sarah Mcappion (12 points).
“(Being undefeated) everyone has nothing to lose against us now, but at this point of the year, all we can do is take it one game at a time.
“It’s a huge target on our back – teams will take risks against us and sometimes it will pay off, but that’s something we are aware of.”
Dufelemier said the Braves could expect another tough scrap on Friday night at Bendigo Stadium against the Sparks (6-7), who have won just one game in their past five, but sit just one win behind seventh-placed Geelong and eighth-placed Launceston Tornadoes (both 7-6).
“They are a team who have not been blown out by many teams and have some close losses, so they’re a force who again cannot be taken lightly,” she said.
“Tahlia Tupaea was just selected into the Opals squad – her and Kelly Wilson are top three in the league in steals and she is a great defender.
“They have Lara McSpadden, who is top five in rebounds, so they have players we definitely need to be aware of.
“But you can’t take anyone lightly in this league, it’s a tough league.”
The Braves will travel to Albury on Saturday for a clash against the 3-11 Albury-Wodonga Bandits, who were soundly beaten by Diamond Valley Eagles and Dandenong Rangers last weekend.
