Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

Lady Avalanche created history at the Montego Bay Cricket Club Courts on Monday night when they defeated Pacers 53-28 in the final of the inaugural Western Basketball Association's (WBA) Women's League to become the first female champions in western Jamaica's basketball.

"I am absolutely delighted," said Lady Avalanche's coach Galton

Taylor after his team was presented with the Mytle Wedderburn Trophy for their victory.

"It took a lot of hard work and commitment to get the girls into championship condition, and it was nice to see them completing the season unbeaten."

In a game that promised much and delivered for the most part, the going was extremely close during the first three quarters. However, Lady Avalanche changed gears at the beginning of the fourth quarter and from then onwards, the final result was never in doubt.

Affected by injury

"We played a disciplined game but the injury sustained by Danielle Ellis, who is one of our key players affected us badly," said Pacers coach Charles Stephenson. "Nonetheless, the girls should be credited because this is the first time most of them are playing basketball."

In the first quarter, it was a ding-dong battle with both teams trading baskets. In terms of co-ordination, Lady Avalanche clearly had the edge with Suzette Virgo and Nicole Dias, who finished with 16 and eight points, respectively, helping them to a close 8-7 lead.

Displaying much energy, the Pacer team, which is predomin-antly made up of netballers, increased the tempo of their play in the second quarter as with Jennifer Wilson, who finished with 12 points, in a rampant mood, they outscored Lady Avalanche 10-9 as the teams were locked 17-17 at half-time.

In the third quarter, Pacers suffered a setback when Ellis sustained an injury and had to be pulled out of the game.

Lady Avalanche capitalised on the weakened Pacers and regained control as Shibon Spence joined Virgo and Dias in the hunt for baskets. The quarter ended with Lady Avalanche enjoying a 30-26 lead.

The final quarter was all Lady Avalanche as while they increased the tempo of their play, the Pacers slowed down considerably.

The winning team comprised Tavia Shaw, Shibon Spence, Nicole Dias, Suzette Virgo, Tavia Brown, Stacy-Ann Ishmael, Mahvia Findlater and Trudy-Ann Gyles.