The pride was evident in the voice of Southern Steel assistant coach Lauren Piebenga yesterday as she reflected on Wednesday’s inspiring performance against the Mainland Tactix.
Despite Monday’s van accident which caused the Steel side to be without four key starters, the southern side rallied late to beat the Tactix 51-46 in Christchurch.Tears flowed as emotional scenes ensued after the Steel players had demonstrated just how much adversity it was capable of overcoming.
"I think what it reinforces for us is our team culture and the heart that we can play with, and the care that we have for each other on and off the court," Piebenga said.
"I just think it’s made us stronger. Although it’s not something we want to go through, it’s something that has made us stronger.
"It doesn’t make us invincible — we’re very aware of that. But certainly we know we’ve got each other’s backs and that’s always going to add to the team."
Piebenga said it had been special to see the the players emotionally and mentally get themselves on the court the way they did.
While the team always thought it could win, it was not the focus going into the game.
"Absolutely we did think we could get the job done. But that wasn’t really our focus. Our focus was getting out there and looking after each other and making sure that we just did the basics really well."
"[We] brought those new girls into our team and just really supported them because it was a really big ask for them as well. So our focus was just looking after each other and the rest took care of itself."
Having been the head coach of last year’s South Beko League team, Piebenga had coached several of the younger players.
She said it was good to see they were up for the challenge and had put their hands up at the higher level.
Olivia Bates, Dani Gray, Sophie Erwood and Aliyah Dunn all stepped into the team at late notice, Erwood starting at centre.
Jamie Hume, Jennifer O’Connell and Abby Erwood all came into the starting line-up.
There was no update on the status of the four injured players — Wendy Frew, Jhaniele Fowler-Reid, Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Shannon Francois. However there had been plenty of encouragement from them all.
The team returned home yesterday, but would take a day before considering Monday’s game against the Central Pulse.
"[Yesterday was] about us getting home and being with our families and having that support. It’s pretty hard for them when we’re away as well and things aren’t going to plan.
"So [yesterday was] about us just taking stock and having that space, and then tomorrow we’ll be back into thinking where we go from there."
Piebenga also had a message for the Dunedin public.
"Thanks to the whole of the Dunedin public. The messages and the support that we’ve had has been really overwhelming and terrific."
