Despite some impressive individual showings, Worcester Wolves fell 41-62 to East London Phoenix in their 2023/24 Women's Premier League home opener.

Despite a promising start and a double-double debut from Lena Knippelmeyer, the Wolves couldn't fend off the Phoenix's surge at the University of Worcester Arena.

The game marked several firsts for the Wolves: their first home match of the season, their inaugural face-off against East London Phoenix, and the debut of new recruit Knippelmeyer, who made a significant impact.

 

 

Read more: NBL Division Two: Worcester Wolves 59-63 Manchester Magic

 

 

She opened her account for the Wolves, scoring impressively from inside the key.

Teammates Kaylia Bell and Niamh Horan also added to Worcester's tally, giving coach Lucas Warburton's side a narrow 12-11 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter saw both teams exhibit dominant defensive plays.

Knippelmeyer continued her strong presence inside the key, while Great Britain forward Amy Conroy kept the Phoenix in contention with versatile scoring.

Midway through, coach Warburton shuffled his lineup, bringing Alice Mchaffie into play, who successfully converted a mismatch inside the key, narrowing the gap to three points.

However, heading into halftime, the Wolves trailed, with the scoreboard reading 21-24 in favor of the Phoenix.

The game's momentum shifted towards East London Phoenix towards the end of the third quarter, culminating in an 18-point lead entering the final period.

Despite a valiant effort by Elana Brand off the bench, who scored crucial points and reduced the deficit to fourteen, the Wolves couldn't close the gap.

The match concluded with a 21-point victory for the Phoenix, with the final score at 41-62.

Knippelmeyer led the Wolves' scoring with 17 points and an impressive 16 rebounds, achieving a double-double to mark her debut.

Contributions from Jade Loughlin, Niamh Horan, and Elana Brand, each adding 6 points, were notable, but not enough to secure a win.

Looking ahead, the Wolves aim to bounce back in the New Year with a road trip to face Cardiff Met Archers on Sunday, January 13, 2024.