'Sick, how cool is this?': Jade on Caps chemistry

• Sara Blicavs tallied 19 points, nine rebounds in UC Capitals’ 80-71 win
• Jade Melbourne filled the box score with 15 points, 8 assists, 3 steals
• Flyers’ Tera Reed led all scorers with 22 points on 10-of-13 shooting
• WNBL Scores and Schedule

Veteran Sara Blicavs dropped 19 points as the UC Capitals held off Southside Melbourne Flyers 80-71 at John Cain Arena, in front of 4,342 fans, in the first game of the WNBL 2025-26 season.

She was one of four Capitals to score in double figures: Nyadiew Puoch (16); Jade Melbourne (15); and Kadiatou Sissoko (15).

"I couldn’t be happier, to be honest," Melbourne said with head coach Paul Gorris at her side in the post game press conference.

"We knew what we wanted to get back to last year when we brought Gorris back in. We were a game out of finals, then he starts calling me in America saying, 'Sara Blicavs is keen'. I was like — 'sick, how cool is this?'

"Then you put together a team like that, get Kadi on the phone, and suddenly it all comes together. I walked into Week 3 of pre-season and thought, this is going to be a really special group.

"When the siren went tonight, I just couldn’t stop smiling. We’ve got a really solid group; our potential is limitless.

"I’m excited to keep improving with this team, represent the Caps, open our campaign at home next week, and keep getting to know the girls on and off the court."

Related Article: Jade Melbourne on 'Why Canberra will always be special to me'

The first game of the new WNBL era was played in front of 4,300+ fans.

"It was awesome," Melbourne added.

"The atmosphere was electric. Like we said, let’s make this the new norm.

"Women’s basketball is thriving. On paper, this might be the most talented year I’ve ever played in — eight really solid teams, no easy games.

"The fans should be excited. Let’s aim for 6,000, 7,000.

"The league has so much potential, and it starts with us players putting on a great product. We’ve got the players and coaches to do it — we’ll keep doing our part if the fans keep filling the seats."

Key Details

• Result: UC Capitals 80 def. Southside Melbourne Flyers 71
• When: 18th October 2025
• Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne
• Attendance: 4,342
• Standings

By the Numbers

• Sara Blicavs (UC Capitals) starred with 19 points, nine rebounds in 32 minutes.
• Tera Reed (Southside Melbourne Flyers) scored 22 points, had two rebounds and two assists in 34 minutes.

What Happened

The UC Capitals established control early, jumping out to a 24-16 first-quarter lead behind strong performances from captain Sara Blicavs and Jade Melbourne. They maintained their momentum through the second period, outscoring the Flyers 24-22 to build a 48-38 halftime advantage.

Both teams matched each other's output in the third quarter with 18 points apiece, leaving the Capitals with a comfortable 66-56 cushion heading into the final period. While Southside outscored UC 15-14 in the fourth quarter, it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit, as the Capitals secured their nine-point victory.

The visitors dominated the glass, winning the rebounding battle 44-38 behind nine boards each from Blicavs and Teige Morrell. This advantage on the boards helped UC maintain control throughout the contest, as they led for over 37 minutes compared to just 48 seconds for the Flyers.

Jade Melbourne delivered an outstanding all-around performance with 15 points, six rebounds, eight assists, three steals and two blocks in nearly 35 minutes of action. Nyadiew Puoch added 16 points and five rebounds, while Kadiatou Sissoko contributed 15 points and six boards for the balanced Capitals attack.

For Southside, Tera Reed led all scorers with 22 points on efficient 10-from-13 shooting from the field. Isabelle Bourne added 18 points and nine rebounds, while Maddi Rocci chipped in 14 points and seven assists in the losing effort. The Flyers struggled with ball security, committing 17 turnovers that the Capitals converted into valuable transition opportunities.

The Capitals' superior shooting was a difference-maker. UC connected on 53.2% (25-from-47) of their field goal attempts compared to 48.9% (23-from-47) for Southside. The visitors also had the edge from beyond the arc, hitting 7-from-22 (31.8%) three-pointers to the Flyers' 5-from-22 (22.7%).