Student basketballers from De Montfort University, Leicester (DMU) christened their new court with an emotional first win of the season.
The DMU Pitbulls Women’s Basketball Team netted a hard-fought win at the recently opened Leicester Arena , which plays host to home games of the former British Basketball League (BBL) Champions; Leicester Riders.
An emotional club secretary, Emilie Fairnington said: “I started crying because it’s been so long since we secured a league victory.
“We have a great coach who has calmed us down and given us a great deal of confidence going into the new season.”
It was not only the first game of the season, but the first time the girls had played at the club’s new home, which was secured through a partnership between Leicester Riders and DMU, one of many deals the university has with the city’s professional sports club.
Emilie said: “It’s a really great opportunity for us and we’re really blessed to have been given the privilege of playing here.
“We are so thankful of the University for sorting out this opportunity for us.”
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It was a happy evening for the side who secured a 37-34 victory, their first in two seasons, as they returned to British University and College Sport (BUCS) action against the University of Nottingham.
The opening quarter was greeted by a great atmosphere, as a strong crowd showing witnessed the Pitbulls take a 6-4 lead into the second quarter.
At the half way stage, the Pitbulls piled on the pressure to race to a 17-12 lead before being pegged back to 25-24 at the end of the third.
A tense final quarter saw the Pitbulls fall behind, before tired University of Nottingham legs allowed them to score vital points to take the game 37-34 at the death.
Club Chairwoman Fidaus Yusuf said: “From someone who’s watching and not playing I can see that the strength and conditioning coaching we’ve been doing has really paid off.
“Credit to the coaches who have really pushed the team to reach the fitness levels that have secured us the win tonight.”
Emilie concluded by saying: “Today has been a great day for us and we hope we can take this positivity into the rest of the season and play for each other.
“Teamwork makes the dream work.”
The side hope to build on Wednesday’s performance when they travel to the University of Cambridge on Wednesday October 19.
Posted on Monday 17 October 2016