Historic Sheffield Hatters become Quadruple Champions
Sheffield Hatters picked up yet another trophy at the weekend
The B.Braun Sheffield Hatters made franchise history becoming the first Women's team to have a clean sweep in the SLB Era as they became Quadruple Champions.
The Hatters defeated the Caledonia Gladiators in a tight play-off finals game of 73-66 to retain their playoff champions title and to succeed in their most historic season since 2014/15. This is not the first time this season the Hatters beat the Gladiators in a finals game. As they also beat them back in January at the Betty Codona Trophy final where they won 80-62. Season MVP Megan Mullings also picked up the MVP award for the game.
The Sheffield Hatters got off to a strong start with Antoinette Lewis scoring four points. Shauna Harrison put up two points from the free throw line to begin to extend the gap against the Scottish side. Grace Graham ended the quarter with a final 2-point bucket to finish 23-17.
Megan Mullings opened the second quarter with a 2-point shot before the Gladiators responded with a deep two of their own. Nina Krisper put up two points, with Jess Eadsforth-Yates following up with another two points to create a 15-point gap. Antoinette Lewis ended the quarter with a point from the free throw line to give the Hatters a 14-point lead.
Grace Graham attempted to extend the Hatters’ lead but missed, however Megan Mullings was there for the rebound for two points. Nina Krisper again went and put up another two points and followed up with another two to give the Hatters a 23-point lead. Antoinette Lewis closed the quarter again though this time with another two points, which gave the Hatters a 17-point lead.
Shauna Harrison passed to Megan Mulling for two points to open up the penultimate quarter. As the Gladiators began to close in, Jess Eadsforth-Yates put up the Hatters first 3-point shot to extend the gap slightly. After several free throws for the Hatters, Georgia Gayle put up two out of three shots to give Hatters their final points and bring the game to a close at 73-66, the Hatters keeping their playoff champions title and collecting all four trophies that were up for grabs for a clan sweep.
There were some stunning performances from Jess Eadsforth-Yates (9) and Cheyenne Stubbs (9). Though contending for the MVP award was Antoinette Lewis, who produced an excellent 19 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals. Though claiming the award amazingly, was defensive player of the year Megan Mullings, who not only had a fantastic game but also collected 18 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals and 2 blocks.
With the season now at a close the Hatters have made franchise history becoming the first women’s team to complete a clean sweep of all four trophies in the SLB era. With the 26/27 season to start later this year, we now wait to see what the club will produce for next season.