SYDNEY (FIBA Oceania Championship for Women) -
The Opals will depart Sydney on flight NZ782 at 9:50am bound for Dunedin, where they will contest the 2007 FIBA Oceania Championship for Women against New Zealand and Fiji – two nations vying for the Oceania Zone berth to Beijing.
Reigning World Champions Australia have already qualified for Beijing, so if the Opals win the Championship the runner up will get the berth.
“As World Champions we expect to return with three victories,” Australian Defence Force Opals head coach Jan Stirling said.
“With no disrespect to New Zealand, if we go about our task with absolute professionalism the result will take care of itself.
“The Championship also provides us with the opportunity to challenge some of our younger representatives, like Sapphires [U21] players Kathleen Macleod, Renae Camino and Abby Bishop, and Gems [U19] player Marianna Tolo.”
The 2007 Australian Defence Force Opals team for the FIBA Oceania Championship:
Abby BISHOP
Michelle BROGAN
Renae CAMINO
Rohanee COX
Kathleen MACLEOD
Emily McINERNY
Natalie PORTER
Alicia POTO
Emma RANDALL
Samantha RICHARDS
Marianna TOLO
Carly WILSON
Touring staff:
Jan STIRLING Head Coach
Gary FOX Assistant Coach
Jennifer BLACK Physiotherapist
Scott BURNE Doctor
Diana GLAZER Massage Therapist
Luke GALLAGHER Technician
Marian STEWART Team Manager
Bill Baxter