Sunshine Girls lose first of three tests against Diamonds

A depleted Sunshine Girls unit started their 3-match series against Australia on a losing note in Adelaide, going down 72-41 early Thursday morning Jamaica time.

The Sasher-Gaye Henry-Wright coached side trailed from start to finish, with the "Diamonds" leading 16-10 at the end of the first, before easing to a 34-22 half time advantage.

The "Aussies" were even more dominant in the third quarter, winning it 20-8, before taking the final quarter 18-11 to romp to victory. Goal attack Shanice Beckford was the most prolific for the Sunshine Girls, scoring 17 goals from 18 attempts. She was supported by goal shooters Simone Gordon with 12 from 15 and Gezelle Allison 12 from 18.

The Sunshine Girls are without regular star shooters, Jhanielle Fowler-Nembhard, Romelda Aiken-George and Shimona Jok. Game two will be contested on Sunday at the RAC Arena in Perth, starting 3:30 am Jamaica time.