23 August 2007 By Verena Stocker
The return of two World University Games gold medallists will strengthen the ACUVUE Sydney Uni Flames when they play the touring University of Wisconsin Badgers in a pre-season game at Hornsby Brickpit tonight.
Georgia Woodyard and Melissa Smith should give the Flames an additional boost after outstanding performances at the recent World University Games in Bangkok.
With the addition of Woodyard and Smith, the Flames will showcase an almost compete line-up for the upcoming season. The only exception will be Eva Afeaki, who suffered a knee injury playing the semi-finals at the World University Games last week.
Flames coach Karen Dalton will have to wait until after the start of the season for another full team line-up, with numerous players having commitments with the Australian Opals.
The Wisconsin Badgers are playing the Flames as part of an 11-day tour of Australia and New Zealand. The Badgers lost their first of four exhibition games against the Bulleen Boomers 87-55, but defeated the Dandenong Rangers 76-58 in their second.
In what should be another tough game, the Flames will be keen to continue their great pre-season form after recently defeating the University of Kansas 88-54.
Following tonight’s game, the Badgers will fly to New Zealand to play the New Zealand national team in Christchurch on August 26.
