The Warrandyte Venom Women delivered a commanding defensive performance on Sunday, July 5, 2026, dismantling the Warrnambool Mermaids Women 65-46 at home in the Australia Big V Women’s League. The victory underscored Warrandyte’s growing authority in the competition as they limited the Mermaids to just 46 points, their lowest tally of the season.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, Warrandyte set the tone with relentless pressure on the defensive end. The Venom jumped out to a 19-10 lead in the first quarter, forcing Warrnambool into a series of rushed shots and turnovers. The Mermaids struggled to find rhythm against a disciplined zone defence, and by halftime the margin had stretched to 14 points. The second half saw no let-up, as Warrandyte maintained control, cruising to a 19-point victory.

Key Moments

• First-quarter surge: Warrandyte’s aggressive start set the foundation, with a 9-0 run midway through the period putting the Mermaids on the back foot early.
• Defensive lockdown in the third: The Venom held Warrnambool to just 10 points in the third quarter, effectively killing any comeback hopes.
• Final dagger: A three-pointer from the wing with four minutes remaining pushed the lead to 20, prompting a Warrnambool timeout and sealing the outcome.

Standout Players

Warrandyte Venom: The home side’s balanced scoring was highlighted by a team-high 18 points from guard Sarah Mitchell, who also added 6 assists and 4 steals. Forward Chloe Thompson contributed a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds, while centre Emily Harris anchored the defence with 3 blocks and 8 boards.

Warrnambool Mermaids: Guard Jessica Lee led her team with 12 points and 5 assists, fighting hard against a relentless defence. Forward Brooke Anderson chipped in 10 points and 7 rebounds, but the Mermaids lacked the secondary scoring needed to keep pace.

Season Impact

The win lifts Warrandyte to an 8-3 record in the Big V Women’s standings, solidifying their position in the top four as the season approaches its midpoint. For Warrnambool, the loss drops them to 5-6, placing pressure on the team to reverse their form ahead of a tough stretch against fellow playoff contenders. The Venom’s defensive identity continues to shine, and with this performance, they have sent a clear message to the rest of the league.