SERENA Kersten hailed her team’s drive and fight for success, as Team Jets moved themselves into the National League play-off race with impressive back-to-back victories against Poole and Wimborne Aquarians.
Starting the weekend seventh in the league with no wins in the last three games, head coach Kersten’s side faced a tough challenge.
Game one saw the Island side face off against a fast, young Poole side.
After a frustrating draw last game out against the Mavericks Eagles, Kersten’s side were keen to prove a point, and come back with more.
The former England captain said: “After the last game the girls were frustrated with themselves in a game we probably should have won.
“We’ve trained extremely hard and have been extremely critical of ourselves and our standards, it’s been amazing to see.
“The drive these girls have to get better is phenomenal and they proved it this weekend.”
Phenomenal is the word. Team Jets blew away Poole 58-43 in what Kersten described as “probably the best team performance of the season so far”.
The Poole side, who fielded two Super League players, have been on good form this season.
However, the Jets dominated defensively and created chances on the break.
Kersten said: “It was an excellent defensive performance and I was really pleased with the whole team effort.
“It was good to get some of the bench out as well. Those who came on did a great job for the team.”
Full of confidence, Team Jets moved into their second game of the weekend, taking on Wimborne.
In a stunning game in which the scoreline swung back and forward, Team Jets managed to hold on for another fantastic victory 55-54.
Kersten added: “The Wimborne game could easily have been a loss.
“They’re a very experienced team and it was such a tight game.”
Team Jets started excellently, finding themselves six points up at the end of the first quarter.
However, the Wimborne team rallied and led by one point going into half-time.
Kersten admitted that the third quarter was Jersey’s worst of the game and, going into the final quarter, they trailed by four points and had a mountain to climb.
Kersten said: “For us to pull that game back from where we were and get over the line, it shows how passionate we are to push for the play-offs.
“It was great to see the fight in them.”
Team Jets now move up into second place in the league going into a three-week Christmas break, just two points behind leaders Hucclecote Comets with a game in hand.
The next match sees the Jets welcome Poole to Les Ormes on 7 January.
Team Jets squad: Lauren Devine, Becca Forrest, Kat Le Riche, Layla Dos Santos, Taylor Mai-Dickson, Nicolle Goddard, Jacy Brown (cc), Libby Rothwell, Lynsey Pitman, Rosie Tonner (cc), Leah Griffin.
