The Lincoln University Women’s 3×3 Team has landed in China, ready to compete in the FISU Championship
Another remarkable year for the Lincoln University Women is just about to finish, with their most exciting tournament serving as the season’s end. After defending their UTSNZ 3×3 Championship, the LU team once again was invited to travel to Xiamen, China and take their place in the FISU 3×3 Championship.
Three players from the 2017 team that competed are all back again in 2018 (Connie Poletti, Caitlin Grice and Sophie Schrader) with newcomer Ajiah Pepe joining the team this year. All four players are on basketball scholarships at LU, which has helped with their stellar domestic results over the last two seasons.
Manager Hoani Smith, who made the trip last year and has gone with them again, said last year’s event was a first for the players and he believed they were all better for the experience.
Captain Poletti shared her thoughts on the team this year:
“We have been working on creating space for each other, moving the ball and being active on offence.
“We are quick, fit and focusing on being accurate. All of the girls are great team mates and want each other to succeed. We have been playing together all year for 5×5 format and have developed strong relationships off-court.”
She said competing against the best players from universities from all over the world was all the motivation she needed.
Coach Josh Thompson was also happy to be back in China (he shares both Māori and Chinese ethnicities):
“It’s good to be back here. After weeks of preparation the team seem more relaxed than last year.
“We have already done some sightseeing after arriving yesterday, while today we have focused more on stretching and recovering from the long travel to get here.
“This year our goal is definitely to be playing on the final day of the tournament, which I feel we can do. Hoani has done a great job helping the players all be as fit as possible and ready to go.”
The full schedule can be seen here, with the LU women slated to play at the following times (all NZ time):
All games are expected to be live streamed via the Olympic Channel and FISU’s facebook page, and we will update this page if there are other links to watch via.
