Elly Mackay
17 December 2020: The University of Canberra Capitals have wrapped up a successful 2020 WNBL season, in which they won nine of their 13 season games.
Despite pushing into the final quarter, the team went down78-68 to the Melbourne Boomers in their semi-final game.
New recruit Brittany Smart and fan favourite Maddison Rocci led the Capitals’ point tally in the finals game, scoring 15 and 14 points respectively. They were closely followed by Kelsey Griffin (12 points), Marianna Tolo (10 points), and Jade Melbourne (10 points).
The competition, which was relocated to Far North Queensland in a COVID-19 ‘hub’, ran in a compressed format over five weeks. Teams played up to three games per week to create a shortened season.
Aside from game-play, a key takeaway from the season will be the emotional endurance displayed by the team, who were separated from friends, families, and supporters when they left for Queensland in October.
“As always, the UC Capitals have done the University and the Canberra community proud. They’ve had a tough season – being away from home in Townsville – but have shown great heart in every aspect of their game,” University of Canberra Director of Sport Carrie Graf said.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming the girls back to their home here at UC in the new year.”
In a nod to the team’s commitment to the sport in recent years, the Capitals took out the Team of the Year award at the CBR Sports Awards earlier this week – an accolade they shared with fellow University of Canberra tenants the ACT Brumbies.
Throughout the season, Capitals games were broadcast at local Canberra cinemas to allow fans to gather and cheer on the team.
Once Queensland borders opened in November, dedicated fans and players’ family members travelled up north to show their support.
“Generally, there is a lot of in-person support at the Capitals’ home games, and with them being away this year it’s been great to see the UC community continue getting behind the team and showing their commitment as fans,” Ms Graf said.
The Capitals have been operating from the UC campus since 2014. They’ve since become the most successful sporting team in Canberra’s history, having won nine premierships and featuring in 11 finals appearances.
