

National Women’s Basketball League1 East – Round 6
Albury Wodonga Women 78 – 54 Sutherland Sharks Women
Date: 16 May 2026 | Venue: Lauren Jackson Sports Centre
Match Overview
Albury Wodonga Women stamped their authority on the NWBL1 East with a commanding 78–54 victory over the visiting Sutherland Sharks. The home side dominated from the opening tip, building an early double-digit lead and never letting the Sharks back into the contest. The win solidifies Albury Wodonga’s position among the conference leaders.
Key Moments
- First-Quarter Control: Albury Wodonga raced to a 22–12 lead after ten minutes, using a full-court press that forced Sutherland into five quick turnovers. The hosts shot 9-of-15 from the field in the period.
- Defensive Lockdown: The second quarter saw the home team hold the Sharks to just 10 points, extending the lead to 38–22 at halftime. Sutherland’s leading scorer, guard Jessica Lee, was held to just 4 points before the break.
- Second-Half Cruise: Albury Wodonga maintained a comfortable 20-point buffer throughout the third and fourth quarters, resting key players in the final minutes as the Sharks never challenged.
Standout Players
Grace Williams led all scorers with 24 points (9-of-16 FG) and added 8 rebounds for the home side. Centre Rebecca Nguyen contributed a double-double with 14 points and 11 boards, while point guard Isabella Martinez recorded 7 assists without a turnover. For Sutherland, Lily Chen (16 points) and Megan Davis (12 points, 6 rebounds) were the only bright spots in an otherwise tough afternoon.
Season Impact
The victory improves Albury Wodonga to 6–1, keeping them tied for first place with the Sydney Comets in the East conference standings. Sutherland, meanwhile, falls to 2–5 and drops to ninth. The Sharks must address their offensive woes ahead of a tough stretch against top-four opponents.
