Sheffield Hatters Reclaim D1 Women’s Championship

By Joe Pinchin | @jpincho22

Sheffield Hatters proved too much for the UWIC Archers on Sunday in the EBL Division 1 Women’s Championship Final winning 91-69 at the Amaechi Centre, Manchester.

Stephanie Gandy was named MVP with a huge 34 point-11 rebound double double, whilst Helen Naylor added 19 points for Sheffield, in a game they remained in control of throughout.

Sheffield opened up an early lead behind the dominance of Stephanie Gandy. UWIC, who were in immediate foul trouble as Stef Collins picked up two in the first period, went into the first quarter break down 28-15.

Collin’s picked up her third foul in the second quarter sending her to the bench until the half. Gandy and Helen Naylor continued to put pressure on the UWIC defence but Hatter’s Naomi Campbell had her hand on almost every loose ball and rebound in the final few minutes of the half, her play helping her team to a 47-31 lead.

In the third quarter, big defensive stands from Hatter’s Campbell and Kisha Lee stopped the Archers cutting into the lead and Sheffield led by 20 at the final break, 65-45.

UWIC came out with a purpose in the fourth quarter, a couple of steals led to eight straight points for the Welsh side to bring them back into the game. Lee answered for Sheffield to keep the lead at 14 before Sarah Wagstaff brought her team within 10 points following two scores and an assist to Kate Butters.

A three point play from Hatter’s Campbell stopped UWIC’s run. Gandy continued to answer for Sheffield, keeping the lead at 10 despite an awesome spinning floater from Collins and a tough make from Wagstaff. Butters pushed the ball at the UWIC defence but without stops on the defensive end, UWIC were unable to close the gap and Hatter’s closed out their ninth treble in club history, 91-69.

Kate Butters led the way for UWIC with 21 whilst Collins and Hoffman added 10 and 11 respectively.