Giants’ women improve but fall to imposing Wolves

German international Anne Zipser continued to put up solid numbers for the Goldfields Giants but four of the Joondalup Wolves’ starters racked-up double-digit offensive numbers that sealed a 78-43 win for the NBL1 women’s visitors on Saturday night.

Zipser led the Giants in their home-opener with 19 points, 13 rebounds and three assists, and Tamsyn Pentland (11 points, four rebounds, one assist) was impressive off the bench.

Those efforts, however, were overshadowed by an opposition squad led by Julia Chandler (17 points, four rebounds), Darien Huff (14 points, three rebounds, six assists), Jorjah Smith (14 points, three rebounds, three assists) and Sarah Toeaina (12 points, five rebounds, three assists).

Goldfields’ loss, their third to open the season, was compounded by a knee injury to Aimee Borchet after a promising start.

Giants coach Jaymi Worthington said on Monday the full extent of Borchet’s injury was not yet known.

“Aimee started very well, had just hit a three-pointer and was locking down one of their best players on defence, Sarah Toeaina, so that (injury) really impacted us after we started with nine players,” she said.

“Then Ash Sidebottom got fouled off so we had less to go to off the bench, but the girls put up a good fight against an opposition who brought in two more players and were probably at their strongest all season.

“She (Borchet) thinks she’ll be OK and hopefully it’s just a hyper-extension.

“But until we get it properly looked at, we’re not going to know.”

Worthington is still awaiting the arrival of highly touted Asian recruit Jhazmin Joson but has been impressed with Pentland’s work rate in support of Zipser.

“Obviously we need to find (more) avenues to score,” Worthington said.

“But in Tamsyn’s case, she’s come here from Melbourne as a teacher, has a good skills set and is definitely an asset.”

Pentland was recommended to the club by former Giant Brent Hobba, who played three seasons in the NBL and now lives in Melbourne.

Giants’ Lauren Fech was also solid last weekend with 10 rebounds, seven assists and four steals.