WBBL Preview

The WBBL side travel up to Scotland to face Caledonia Pride on Sunday afternoon. Despite the 350 mile journey to Edinburgh, Wolves will go motivated in search of their first regular season win.

Oaklands have continued to struggle to find form, sitting bottom of the table with a record of 0-5. The team have been cursed with injuries since the start of season, seeing a number of key players missing.

Despite their record, Wolves have shown their ability to perform against top teams. Most recently the side lost to top of the table Leicester Riders by just 10 points, while competing for the whole game.

Oaklands struggles have seen the team come together, as well as give their younger players a chance to play. Jocie Leavold and Daisy Porter have featured off the bench, while Louise Rouse has become a regular starter, averaging 10.4 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.

Wolves have recently signed Great Britain international, Melita Emmanual-Carr, to the side. The dynamic guard will give the side a boost, providing a tenacious defence and forming a strong back court with Amari Carter.

Speaking to coach Lee Ryan, he said: “We are looking forward to the game in Scotland this weekend.

“It will be a different kind of test for us, Caledonia play with so much energy and no fear, we will have to be focused throughout.

“We have played multiple games against the top teams in the league, so we will get a better understanding of where we stand after Sunday.”

Pride have started the season with mixed results as they sit below mid-table with a record of 2-3. Caledonia are led by the pairing of forward Pollyanna Storie and guard Maud Ranger. Storie averages 16 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, while Ranger puts up 15.2 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. Sian Philips also contributes with a double-double of 10.8 points and 10 rebounds per game. Despite their key players, Pride have suffered some big losses this season against top teams.

Ryan added: “With only eight available players the game load is tough so we are just doing what we can to get ready.

“We fatigued in the second half against Leicester and it cost us the chance to get the win.

“However, I am really proud of our defensive efforts of late, to hold Leicester to 64 points was a great performance - do the same this weekend and we come out on top.”

A win for the Wolves is right within their reach as the side hope to make a run for the playoffs.

For more information on the game head to our social media pages!