SINGAPORE - The Singapore netball team's quest to reclaim their SEA Games title got off to a flying start on Monday (Nov 25) as they put up a commanding performance to beat hosts Philippines 80-28 at the Santa Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna.
The visitors had a nervy opening few minutes, but settled down eventually to win the first quarter, 21-6.
Silver medallists at the 2017 Games, Singapore continued to dominate in the next quarter, pouring in the points for a 43-15 lead at half-time.
With Philippines on the back foot, the Republic's netballers turned on the heat to win the next two periods and close out the win with a 52 point advantage (80-28).
While Singapore coach Natalie Milicich said it was significant to kick off the SEA Games with a victory, what was more important was that all 12 players had a hand in the victory.
Among the players on court yesterday were Games debutants Angelina Lim and Jamie Lim, who are 20 and 19 respectively. Both players got their first international cap at last month's M1 Nations Cup.
Milicich said: "We had the opportunity to try lots of different combinations, so it was a really good start for us."
Captain Charmaine Soh added: "It gives us momentum. Everyone got on court and wanted to start the competition well. We had different set-ups, different kinds of communication and we were trying to work things out today.
"Winning the game helps to give a bit of confidence and motivation for the next few games."
Singapore have a break from competition tomorrow before they face Brunei on Wednesday.
With Brunei of a similar standard to the Philippines, Milicich said it will be another opportunity to try out various combinations within the squad.
This is crucial as the team lost wing attack Kimberly Lim to a torn Achilles tendon last month, which the New Zealander said highlighted the need to have various game plans that they can rely on.
Milicich said: "It's important that we try all the different combinations and get all 12 on court because we've just experienced a major injury and we want to make sure that we've got plan B and C just in case anything happens out there."
The Singapore netballers will also be working on their consistency and finishing in preparation for the tougher fixtures against stronger opponents at the SEA Games.
Singapore, who won the gold medal in 2015 on home soil, will face its biggest test against defending champions Malaysia in a highly-anticipated clash on Friday.
