Launceston Tornadoes (66) lost to Hobart Chargers (76)

Story By NBL1 Media

The Hobart Chargers had too many weapons in the battle of Tasmania to open the 2025 NBL1 South season as they defeated the Launceston Tornadoes 76-66.

Both Tasmanian combatants missed out on making the finals in the women's competition last season and Saturday presented the chance to make a winning start when they did battle at Elphin Sports Stadium.

It was a tight opening quarter but Hobart began to take charge in the second period with 24 points to 16 to head into the half-time break leading 44-35.

The lead for the Chargers then got out to double-figures in the second half with them ending up prevailing by 10 on the back of having five players scoring in double digits for the evening.

There was plenty to be encouraged about from Hobart for getting back in the finals hunt in 2025 with Chelsea D'Angelo top-scoring with 21 points, six steals, five rebounds and five assists.

She had plenty of help too including Tayla Roberts delivering 15 points, six rebounds and three blocks while Ellie Collins added 14 points, five assists and four boards, Sharna Thompson 13 points, six steals and five rebounds, and Kayla Steindl 11 points, six boards, four blocks and three assists.

Keely Froling made a successful return from a knee injury that ended her WNBL season prematurely by leading the charge for Launceston with 19 points, 12 rebounds and three assists.

Megan Mullings also had 19 points, 12 rebounds and six steals, Taya Webb 11 points and four boards, and Ava McDonald eight points and two rebounds.

LAUNCESTON TORNADOES 66 (Froling 19, Mullings 19, Webb 11)

HOBART CHARGERS 76 (D'Angelo 21, Roberts 15, Collins 14)