The Mandurah Magic women’s team has stormed to a 14-1 record on the season, but this weekend could present their biggest test yet.
In a double-header of action the Magic will take on the third-placed Lakeside this Saturday night before returning to the court just 16 hours later to face off with the fifth-placed Willetton Tigers.
The form
First up, the Magic will take on the Lightning, who are in ripping form coming into the game on the back of a five-game win streak.
Mandurah themselves boast a seven-game win streak, meaning one side will have its run of victories come to an end.
All-star Ali Schwagmeyer has been on fire for the Lightning in their last five, averaging a massive 27.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game.
She will do battle with Mandurah’s Carly Boag, who earned player of the week honours last round.
Willetton comes into their game with Mandurah in more sporadic form, having won three of their last six, including two of their last three.
But the Tigers have been a powerhouse in the Women’s SBL over recent seasons and always pose a threat.
Any team that boasts superstar Stacey Barr is going to be hard to stop.
Last week Barr tallied 28 points and eight rebounds, but the game before that she was huge with an unprecedented 52 points and 12 rebounds.
On the season she is averaging 25.6 points and 6.5 rebounds per outing.
Last time they met…
Mandurah last faced off against Lakeside in round two, claiming a 10-point victory.
Schwagmeyer was restricted to just 11 points as the Nici Gilday and Casey Mihovilovich shone for the Magic.
They last faced Willetton back in round one, where Mandurah opened the season with a 14-point win.
Kate Malpass shone in the absence of Barr but it was Mihovilovich, Gilday and Rachel Halleen leading the Magic to an opening-night victory.
Mandurah may look a touch different to each side this time around, with Boag missing the first matches against Lakeside and Willetton.
The schedule
Vs Lakeside
Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre, Saturday, 6pm
Vs Willetton
Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre, Sunday, 12pm