Singapore got off to a winning start in the SEA Games netball competition with a resounding 72-21 win over Brunei on Sunday.
The hosts dominated the game at the OCBC Arena with their fluid offence and tight defence, romping to a 39-8 lead by half-time thanks to the scoring exploits of goal shooter Charmaine Soh and goal attacker Pamela Liew.
Coach Ruth Aitken made five changes in the second half, giving 19-year-old wing defender Shina Teo her full national team debut.
Aitken was happy with her team's performance, rating it "7 out of 10".
She singled out defender Premila Hirubalan for praise, after the veteran made numerous key interceptions, and was impressed with Teo as well.
"I thought Shina did a great job. I could see she was young and enthusiastic and waiting to get out onto the court," said Aitken.
Captain Micky Lin was satisfied with the team's performance as well, saying: "We've been training a lot and playing against our own team, so what Brunei brought to us was something different, and it was good to play around different kinds of players, and try different combinations."
