Basketball
4 November, 2025
Lady Hornets fall short in round five
The women’s Horsham Hornets CBL team suffered two defeats in their round five encounters against Colac and Warrnambool.
In Colac on Saturday afternoon, the Hornets struggled early on as the Kookas built a 24-5 lead at quarter time, before making it a 43-18 halftime lead.
But the Hornets’ resolve was on display as they matched Colac’s output in the second half, before going down 81-55.
Captain Georgia Hiscock led the side with 20 points, while Hannah Plazzer added 11.
Lady Hornets coach Jordyn Burke said the side adapted well after a poor start, admitting the score did not accurately reflect the side’s performance.
“We didn’t handle Colac’s press that well early, and they dropped some easy layup finishes to get the scoreboard out early,” he said.
“I thought we adapted really well after that and rebounded the ball in those last three quarters a lot better.
“Unfortunately, our field goal percentage was a bit ordinary, so I don't think the scoreline justified or really gave a good indication of the game; I think we had plenty of opportunities that we just didn't take.”
At home on Sunday, the Hornets hosted Warrnambool.
Despite five three-pointers in just the first quarter, the Hornets trailed by just two at quarter-time before an impressive second quarter, ignited by 10 points from Plazzer, gave the Hornets a 34-33 lead at halftime.
After extending the lead to four early in the second half, the Mermaids executed well on both ends to retake a five-point lead at the third-quarter break.
Despite several attempts, the Hornets struggled to score in the fourth quarter, as Warrnambool defeated the home side 68-54.
After missing Saturday’s game, Jorja Clode led the Hornets with 16 points, while Plazzer had 15 in another fine performance.
Burke was pleased with how the side got themselves into a position to win, admitting Warrnambool’s offensive rebounds late in the game were costly.
“In critical times, our defensive rebounding to Warrnambool’s offensive rebounds, they got putback points,” Burke said.
“But I thought we pushed the ball pretty well today and got into a position to win the game again, which was positive, but we just didn't get there.”
Burke said the side adapted well to the Mermaid’s hot shooting early, but acknowledged the opponents countered well.
“Warrnambool were hitting those corner threes early, so we shifted to the corners and were able to execute that pretty well,” Burke said.
“To their credit, they then went inside, and a couple of their bigger players really did well, but also facilitated well.
“They weren't necessarily scoring, they were spreading the floor and getting their ball to their cutting guards.”
The losses see the Hornets remain sixth on the ladder.
