Senator Chloe Forster lays down law in 13-point win

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Round 1 of the 2026 NBL1 West Women season delivered immediate separation across the competition, with standout individual performances and decisive scoring runs defining opening wins.

Chloe Forster, Alex Ciabattoni and Claire Jacobs led dominant displays, while second-quarter bursts and second-half surges proved the difference in multiple matchups. Early indicators point to teams prioritising pace, rebounding control and depth as the foundation for success heading into the opening stretch of the season.

Round 1: Warwick Senators 80 def. Perry Lakes Hawks 67 – Women – March 26 at Warwick Stadium

Chloe Forster exploded for 31 points as Warwick Senators opened their NBL1 West Women season with an 80–67 win against Perry Lakes Hawks at Warwick Stadium on March 26. Warwick created separation in the second quarter, outscoring Perry Lakes 29–16 to take control of the contest. The Hawks responded after halftime, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome.

Game Snapshot

• Quarter scores: Warwick 22–21, 29–16, 11–14, 18–16
• Warwick controlled the rebounds 34–31
• Turnovers proved costly for Perry Lakes (26–19)

Forster delivered a dominant two-way performance with 31 points, eight rebounds, four assists and seven steals, shooting 14-from-26 from the field. Her ability to score and disrupt defensively set the tone throughout.

Natalie Burton added a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Kyana Weir contributed 13 points on efficient shooting. Jayda Clark finished with 10 points and five assists to provide balance.

Emilie Beggs led Perry Lakes with 17 points on 6-from-7 shooting, while Bridgette Rettstatt added 14 points, nine rebounds and six steals. Maddison Zugna chipped in nine points.

By the Numbers

Chloe Forster (WAR): 31 pts │ 8 reb │ 4 ast │ 14-from-26 FG
Natalie Burton (WAR): 13 pts │ 10 reb │ 3 ast
Emilie Beggs (PLH): 17 pts │ 3 reb │ 3 ast

Round 1: Cockburn Cougars 98 def. Perth Redbacks 71 – Women – March 27 at Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre

Perth Lynx WNBL guard Alex Ciabattoni powered Cockburn Cougars to a dominant 98–71 win against Perth Redbacks in their NBL1 West Women opener at Belmont Oasis on March 27.

Cockburn set the tone early with a 33–16 first quarter and extended the margin to 27–point halftime lead. The Cougars maintained control across all four quarters, capitalising on Perth’s shooting struggles to close out a comprehensive victory.

Game Snapshot

• Quarter scores: Cockburn 33–16, 27–17, 16–11, 22–27
• Cockburn controlled the rebounds 54–51
• Perth shot just 29.6% from the field

Ciabattoni led the charge with 21 points, eight rebounds and seven assists on 8-from-13 shooting, controlling the tempo and creating opportunities throughout.

Liliana Gammidge provided a major spark off the bench with 18 points, while Alira Fotu added 16 points. Jessie Edwards recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, and Jaya Scafidi contributed 13 points and eight boards.

Shenae Hartree led Perth with 15 points and six rebounds, while Olivia Berry added 11 points. Laniesha Paddon contributed nine points, seven rebounds and four assists, but Perth struggled to convert efficiently across the game.

By the Numbers

Alexandra Ciabattoni (COU): 21 pts │ 8 reb │ 7 ast │ 8-from-13 FG
Liliana Gammidge (COU): 18 pts │ 4 reb
Shenae Hartree (PER): 15 pts │ 6 reb

Round 1: Mandurah Magic 97 def. Rockingham Flames 77 – Women – March 27 at Mandurah Aquatic & Rec Centre

Claire Jacobs delivered a dominant 34-point performance as Mandurah Magic powered past Rockingham Flames 97–77 in their NBL1 West Women opener on March 27.

Mandurah broke the game open in the second half, outscoring Rockingham 61–44 after halftime, including a decisive 31–22 third quarter that shifted momentum firmly in their favour.

Game Snapshot

• Quarter scores: Mandurah 19–16, 17–17, 31–22, 30–22
• Mandurah controlled the rebounds 54–44
• Mandurah generated 33 assists to 15

Jacobs led all scorers with 34 points, adding seven assists and shooting 11-from-20 from the field while consistently creating offence across all four quarters.

Mia Jacobs was outstanding with 22 points, 18 rebounds and eight assists in a dominant all-around performance. Sydney Meares added 11 points and seven assists, while Erin Antosh contributed 10 points on efficient shooting.

Amy Atwell led Rockingham with 24 points, while Paris Spencer added 16. Tiana Wilson Palmer contributed 14 points on efficient shooting, but the Flames struggled to keep pace after halftime.

By the Numbers

Claire Jacobs (MAN): 34 pts │ 4 reb │ 7 ast │ 11-from-20 FG
Mia Jacobs (MAN): 22 pts │ 18 reb │ 8 ast
Amy Atwell (ROC): 24 pts │ 5 reb │ 2 ast

Round 1: Lakeside Lightning 90 def. Eastern Suns 63 – Women – March 27 at Ray Owen Sports Centre

Esmeralda Morales led a balanced Lakeside Lightning attack with 19 points as they powered past Eastern Suns 90–63 in their NBL1 West Women opener on March 27.

Lakeside seized control in the second quarter with a dominant 33–12 run, turning a six-point deficit into a commanding halftime lead. The Lightning maintained momentum through the third to put the game beyond reach.

Game Snapshot

• Quarter scores: Eastern Suns 20–14, 12–33, 12–24, 19–19
• Lakeside shot 41.0% from three (16-from-39)
• Turnovers proved costly for Eastern Suns (20–17)

Morales finished with 19 points, six rebounds and three assists, shooting 7-from-12 from the field and 5-from-7 from beyond the arc to stretch the defence.

Samantha Lubcke added 16 points and nine rebounds, while Samantha Roscoe contributed 13 points and six boards. The Lightning’s depth was evident with multiple contributors across the rotation.

Gabriela Bronson led Eastern Suns with 21 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, while Ella Averill added 12 points. The Suns started strongly but were unable to sustain offensive efficiency.

By the Numbers

Esmeralda Morales (LAK): 19 pts │ 6 reb │ 3 ast │ 7-from-12 FG
Samantha Lubcke (LAK): 16 pts │ 9 reb │ 4 ast
Gabriela Bronson (ESU): 21 pts │ 9 reb │ 8 ast