Worcester Wolves Women defeated by Manchester Mystics

The match, held at the University of Worcester Arena, kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final seconds.

Despite being 14 points behind at the end of the second quarter, the Wolves managed to close the gap to just one point with 10 seconds remaining, but couldn't find those crucial final points to snatch victory.

Wolves Women head coach, Alexis Lewis, said: "After a really positive start to the season with some big wins we just came out a little flat and ultimately we paid the price for that.

"The girls were just out on their feet at the end, but they kept on battling and kept on fighting to the last."

Ms Lewis pointed out the team's resilience as a positive take from the game: "Even though we lost, we came together at the end as a huddle and it’s clear there still remains a determination to succeed."

Manchester Mystics' aggressive start gave them control of the first quarter, finishing 24-13 up despite Worcester's Charlotte Finn scoring her first three-pointer of the evening and Anya Easton's strong drive and lay-up.

A hectic second quarter saw Wolves tighten their defence and capitalise on Mystics' mistakes, reducing the margin to just three points.

However, a late scoring spree by the visitors extended their lead to 41-27 at the halfway mark.

The break gave the Wolves a chance to regroup, and they returned to the court revitalised.

Finn scored two quick three-pointers, with Ciani Montgomery and Tejonah McKay showing flashes of brilliance, cutting the Mystics' lead to six points by the end of the third quarter.

The final quarter saw both teams trading blows, as Montgomery coolly sank two free throws, setting up a one-point game in the last 10 seconds.

However, Mystics' Camille Chinamasa clinched victory for her team, clinically scoring four points from the free-throw line.

Montgomery topped the Wolves' scoring with an impressive 20-point tally, while McKay contributed a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds.

Finn's success from outside the arc earned her a 15-point return.

Wolves Women will be on the road on Saturday, November 8, travelling to face the London All Stars, who are just one place below in the WNBL standings.

Ms Lewis said: "We know we’re still title contenders.

"It’s just about what we do with a tough weekend in London ahead of us and how we bounce back from this one.

"For now, it’s a big week of training and reflection and we’ll see what we do moving forward."