Solent Kestrels beat CoLA to win WNBL D1 playoffs title
Solent Kestrels claimed the 2023 WNBL Division 1 playoffs title after beating CoLA 78-64 in Manchester, on Sunday.
In a repeat of last year’s final – which was won by CoLA – it was this season’s league champions that prevailed.
WNBL D1 Playoff Champions 🏅🏀🏆#KestrelsFamily #Champions pic.twitter.com/OZqKCud8Le
— Team Solent Kestrels (@SolentKestrels) April 23, 2023
Faye Endean backed up her Player of the Year status with the Finals MVP award after finishing with 18 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists plus three blocks for a near triple-double in the win.
“We were here last year and just didn’t get the job done,” Endean said after the game.
“This was like redemption for us. It’s been a long season, we knew CoLA were gonna come out with intensity, but we came out with the win and it feels really good.”
Solent had led by as many as 10 points in the contest, but CoLA rallied in the fourth to draw level at 63-63 with 2:12 remaining. However, the league winners responded with the next nine to secure the victory.
Ebere Egbirika top scored in the defeat with a game-high of 32 points.
A number of Under-19 prospects were on display for both teams with the academy sides having met in the WEABL final as CoLA defeated Itchen.
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