ADELAIDE (WNBL) - Adelaide Lightning import forward Tracy Gahan has been named the Australian Defence Force Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) Nivea Player of the Week for Round 4.

Gahan, 27, led Adelaide to a 77-73 road win over the Townsville Fire on Saturday night with a 17-point, 13 rebound, 4 assist double-double in a full 40 minutes on court.

The 183cm forward netted 7-of-8 field shots including 2-of-2 three-point baskets.

"To get back on the winning track was really our focus after the loss to Dandenong so whatever I can do to keep us winning I will do," Gahan said.

"I go into every game and play as hard as I can and if that means grabbing rebounds, making shots or playing as hard as possible then hopefully the results will take care of themselves.

"I get a little bit sorer as the years add on but I feel really good at the moment."

It was Gahan’s fifth consecutive double-double from Adelaide’s opening five games of the 2007/08 season and leaves her as the only player averaging a double-double per game across the entire league.

As well as averaging 12.8 points per game, Gahan leads the league for most offensive rebounds per game with 4.2 per game and sits second for most rebounds per game, averaging 11.4 per game – one of only two players pulling in over ten rebounds per game.

"We had to come together and really stick together as a team and as a club," she said.

"I enjoy everything a lot more now that we have Jenny [Whittle] here and it’s nice to have one of the tall girls on our side and having her around really helps me."

Other noteworthy round 4 performances:

ADELAIDE: In support of Gahan, retired World Champion Opal Jenny Whittle netted 19 points against the Fire and guard Jess Foley added 15 points.

BENDIGO: Lisa Pardon, Marita Payne, Karen Ashby and Kathleen McLeod all netted 12 points against Christchurch while Gabrielle Richards tallied 20 points and nine rebounds in just 21 minutes and MacLeod added 15 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals against the AIS.

BULLEEN: Opals Emma Randall tallied 36 points and 19 rebounds, Elyse Penaluna contributed 32 points and 11 rebounds and Desi Glaubitz chipped in with 24 points and 13 assists in the Boomers sweep of Christchurch and the AIS.

CANBERRA: The Capitals were in Russia participating in the 2007 FIBA Women’s World League Tournament and did not compete during round 4.

CHRISTCHURCH: US import Lamisha Augustine netted a game high 24 points on 10-of-14 shooting against Bulleen while Donna Wilkins contributed a 17-point, 12 rebound double-double. Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe scored 16 points to pace the Sirens against Bendigo.

DANDENONG: Assistant coach Larissa Anderson scored 16 points against Sydney Uni.

PERTH: Perth did not compete in round 4. They host Sydney Uni this Friday night.

SYDNEY UNI: Opal Natalie Porter topped the Flames’ scorers with 15 points and was well supported by Alicia Poto with 14 points against Dandenong.

TOWNSVILLE: Guards Tania Baxter and Kelly Wilson both scored 18 points against Adelaide with Biancia Abbott posting 15 points and 10 boards.

Ben Hawes
Australian Defence Force WNBL