MELBOURNE, Australia, CMC—Jamaican defensive ace Shamera Sterling-Humphrey continued to earn accolades within the Tremendous Netball League in Australia after she was named Participant-of-the-Week for her performances within the first spherical of the brand new season.
The 28-year-old defender, winner of the 2023 Tremendous Netball League Participant-of-the-Yr award, gave additional proof that there are few defenders within the sport proper now which might be higher than her with a stifling efficiency that earned host and champions Adelaide Thunderbirds a 63-62 win in opposition to Queensland Firebirds.
Dealing with outstanding aim shooter Donnell Wallam is not any simple process, however Sterling-Humphrey proved she was not fazed by the problem. She completed the match with six interceptions, ten deflections, and two rebounds to foil a number of makes an attempt from the guests to run away with the competition.
Two of the deflections for Sterling-Humphrey got here within the remaining quarter when the match appeared on the road, and he or she stepped up, swooping to achieve helpful possessions to get the T-birds firing of their bid for back-to-back premierships.
The T-birds appeared beneath stress when the Firebirds ended the third quarter with momentum and headed into the ultimate stanza trailing by just one aim.
With the scores locked up, Remi Kamo picked up a free feed for the Firebirds. Nonetheless, Sterling-Humphrey instantly reciprocated with an intercept to regain possession for the hosts on their middle move.
The T-birds’ defensive depth actually lifted within the remaining quarter, with Sterling-Humphrey and her Jamaica teammate Latanya Wilson gaining much-needed balls, however the Firebirds maintained their calm and remained goal-for-goal with them.
The ultimate Energy 5 was the deciding interval within the match, with each groups stepping up in protection and assault. Nevertheless, a missed Tremendous Shot—that counts for 2 objectives—on the buzzer from Wallam meant that the champs got here away with the win.
Sterling-Humphrey may have her arms full when the T-birds face hosts Melbourne Vixens within the second spherical on Saturday at John Cain Enviornment, and he or she meets the Australia World Cup-winning scoring duo of Sophie Garbin and Kiera Austin.
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