SEABL WOMEN TEAM OF THE MONTH - APRIL 2008

After a sensational opening month Nat Hurst has continued her brilliant form with another two Player of the week performances, and her second consecutive Team of the Month recognition. Launceston travelled to the mainland in round six and thanks largely to the efforts of Hurst, recorded a clean sweep 3-0 record. Hurst received Player of the Week honours averaging 26.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 6.3 assists for the round. Hurst earnt her third weekly recognition in round eight with a season high 41 points @ 44%, 4 rebounds, 2 assists including six three pointers. Hurst scored 21 of her teams 29 fourth quarter points, to personally outscore her opponents and help the Torns to a come from behind 85-77 win against NW Tas.

Joining her in the backcourt is NW Tasmania Lady Thunder dynamo Kristen Veal. Averaging 19.2pts, 11rebs, 5ass and 2.3stls, Veal guided her club to a 4-3 record for the month and received Player of the Week honours in round nine. Veal kick started round nine with 24pts@56%, 7rebs, 3ass and 2stls, helping the Lady Thunder to victory against Frankston. The following day behind 28pts@54%, 12rebs, 6ass and 3blks by Veal, the Lady Thunder were able to clinch a tight 83-76 victory against the higher placed Knox.

Despite a sub par performance in round nine, Knox Raiders Chantella Perera has been a major offensive threat for her team and recorded two 24+ games this month. Perera was outstanding in round seven, recording 33pts, 7rebs, 3ass and 2stls against her former club Nunawading. The following week, Perera continued her sharp shooting with 24pts and 6rebs in the Raiders disappointing loss to Ballarat.

Launceston Tornaodes third year import Christa Hays is having a stellar season and has been rewarded for her effort in April with a position on the Team of the Month. Christa averaged 16.7pts @ 53%, 10.3rebs, 1.1ass and 1.9blks for the month against some quality frontcourt players of opposition teams. Hays has been consistent all month, recording four double double games and scoring double digits in each of her seven games this month. Hays best game of the month came in round six with 20pts@62%, 13rebs, 1ass, 2blks and 1stl on the road at Frankston.

Bendigo Lady Braves star Gabrielle Richards has continued her impressive form this season, averaging 21.5pts, 13rebs, 2ass and 1.75blks and helping her team to a successful 3-1 month record. Gab recorded three double double games, and achieved 18pts, 15rebs, 3blks, 2stls in the Lady Braves 71-58 victory at Nunawading to end the month. In round nine Richards led her team to a victory over the previously undefeated Launceston with 22pts, 16rebs and 3ass.

SEABL WOMEN COACH OF THE MONTH

With a rewarding 6-1 record for the month, including five wins on the road, Launceston Tornadoes coach Tim Hays earns this months Coach of the Month recognition. Hays guided his team to a successful 3-0 road trip to start the month, recording victories over Frankston, Albury/Wodonga and Nunawading. It was the first time in the Clubs history the team has recorded a three game clean sweep on the mainland. Hays then equaled a club best nine game winning streak to start the season with a tight 85-77 come from behind victory at NW Tasmania. Tim finished the month with a 1-1 weekend in Victoria with a victory over Kilsyth, but losing their first match of the year to second placed Bendigo.