The Reading Rockets’ wait for a National Cup trophy continues after their loss in the final of the knockout competition.
They fell to Division One rivals Thames Valley Cavaliers, who won their first-ever title, coming from behind to win 66-57.
“It just wasn’t our day,” Rockets guard Kristina Karpova said.
“We played great defense and stopped their transitions, which they do very well – they just outplayed us on the rebound.”
The Cavaliers got off to a fast start and were leading 7-0 before Saioa San Francisco charged through the paint for the set up to get Reading on the scoreboard.
The first two quarters were hotly contested, but the Rockets were able to fight back and a hook shot from Maike Meier put them ahead for the first time.
They entered half-time with a one-point lead, 27-26.
“The young girls on our team really outdid themselves. I’m so proud of them,” added Karpova.
“A little weaker”
Thames Valley took control of the game away from Reading towards the end of the third quarter and pulled away in the fourth, opening up a 10-point lead.
For veteran Rockets frontman Karpova, who appeared in his third National Cup finalit was a tough loss after the Cavaliers knocked them out of the same competition last season.
“It was really difficult,” she admitted.
“I was looking for a third chance, but unfortunately the other team was slightly better and we were just a bit weaker this time.
“We have to move on, get back to training and focus on the National League.
“If we ever come back to the National Cup final, we have to bring the trophy home.”
The National Cup dates back to the 1930s and is the oldest basketball competition in the UK – and the first cup final of the season.
