History was made on Saturday night as the West Yorkshire Hawks Women took to the court for their first ever game in the Women’s National League, travelling south to face a well drilled Oaklands Wolves side.

Despite the 85-50 final scoreline in favour of the hosts, it was a night full of firsts, promise, and positive signs for the newly-formed Hawks squad — many of whom were making their senior National League debuts.

The Neon and Navy started brightly, matching Oaklands for intensity and energy on both ends of the floor. Some stifling defence and quick transitions helped the Hawks jump out to an early lead, however after ten minutes the game was all square at 13-13.

But cohesion told in the second quarter. The Wolves, a well-drilled unit with very good chemistry, stepped up their level and pulled away. The home side hit their stride offensively and tightened things up defensively, building a 14-point cushion by halftime.

The Hawks regrouped and responded after the break, finding rhythm on the offensive end and producing their highest scoring quarter of the night. Sonia Maria Matei led the scoring with 12 points, while others chipped in with vital contributions and hustle plays.

Still, the Wolves kept applying pressure and connected on several perimeter shots to keep the scoreboard moving. The final quarter followed a similar rhythm, and the hosts saw the game out to take the win.

After the final buzzer, Hawks Player-Coach Millie Oates reflected on the game with pride and perspective: “It was a good first game. We showed our potential in phases but the Wolves were just too good for us today across the forty minutes.”

This result marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the club, and the foundation is now laid for what’s to come.

Next up, the Hawks Women return to the Nest for their first ever home fixture, welcoming Trafford Mystics to the University of Huddersfield on Saturday 4th October at 6:30pm.