IT has been almost a fairytale run for the Mount Gambier Pioneers women in the Basketball SA Premier League competition.
Not only is it their first season in the competition, but the first time women have donned the Pioneers colours for many years.
The new side was hobbled together late in the pre-season, but has hit the floor running.
Now with a full roster the results have come and probably exceeded all expectations.
Just like the men, the women sit in fifth place on the ladder, with four wins from their last four games and just the two opening-round losses.
Those victories have all come at the Icehouse, with the home crowd rallying behind the team and certainly not disappointed with the results.
Captain Amanda Frost has been a revelation for the side, currently sitting second in the league in both points and assists averages and leading the free throw percentages.
Frost comes off the player of the round from the last game at the Icehouse, where she contributed 34 points, four rebounds and five assists.
She has led the young side well and the inclusion of fellow American Pachis Roberts has certainly galvanised the group.
Melissa Russell has provided a wise head for the young side, while Emily Winter has stood tall and become an integral part of the offensive armoury, currently fifth in the league three-point percentages.
With four wins from six game the Pioneers are certainly around the mark, but will face tough opposition in the Eagles tomorrow night.
Forestville sits second on the ladder with five wins from seven games and will certainly be tough to beat on their home court.
But the Eagles did go down to the third-placed Eastern Mavericks, a team with the same win/loss ration as the Pioneers.
Again just like the men, the Warriors sit down the ladder in seventh with just three wins from seven games.
After such a hard opening game for the weekend the Pioneers will need to dig deep to if they are a chance to claim the second match for the round.
The weekend will certainly be a tough challenge, but if the Pioneers can keep the momentum rolling they are a real chance to return with two more wins and continue their rise up the ladder.
