The University of Worcester (UW) Women’s Basketball team has been named UWSport Team of the Week. The honour comes, following their impressive first-round victory in the National Trophy, where they triumphed over Nottingham Trent University (NTU).
The matchup was a highly anticipated one. With both sides looking to make a strong start to their cup campaigns. UW came out determined and disciplined. Displaying excellent teamwork and defensive effort to secure the win. Allowing them to advance to the next round.
First-year guard Ciani Montgomery reflected on the achievement and the recognition that came with it, saying,
“It’s an honour to be selected for team of the week and advance to the next round of the cup. We’re working hard each day. So we’re grateful for the recognition. There’s still more to do and improve. So, we’re staying locked in every step of the way.”
The team’s efforts during practice was showcased on Wednesday. From the opening tip to the final buzzer, UW maintained composure and executed their game plan with precision.
Forward Heather Maxwell also expressed her pride in the team’s progress. Heather, noted the effort that has gone into their preparation:
“We’re very thankful, as it was a tough game! To be able to get the result we did, just shows all our hard work in practice is paying off.”
The win marks an encouraging start to UW’s National Trophy journey. As they prepare for the next round, the squad remains focused on building momentum and continuing to represent the University of Worcester with pride and determination.
With strong performances across the roster and a clear sense of unity. UW Basketball’s latest accolade is a testament to their dedication—both on and off the court.
Birmingham City University 79 – 87 University of Worcester – Doug Ellis Sports Centre
Our Men’s 1st team got their season off to a winning start. The home team started the game off in typical fashion. High pressure defence, causing turnovers. Creating fast paced offense. Lead by Sam Toluwase they dominated the first two periods of play. Winning the first quarter 24-20. Closed the half leading by 17 (50-33).
A strong first quarter from our Men, saw them eat into the deficit and take the lead. 62-59 to start the fourth quarter. BCU were not going to be denied and fought back. However our Men edged the fourth and final period by 5pts. Leaving Birmingham with an 8pt victory.
Earl Burgess lead the team with 24pt 8rebs. Taking home Player of the Game for Week 1.
University of Worcester Women’s 1 77 – 58 Loughborough Women’s 2
Our women dominated from the tip to the buzzer. With an all round strong performance. Stand out performance from Anya Easton, earner her Player of the Game honours for week 1
Our Men’s second team travelled away to Aston University, losing 59-47. Whilst our Men’s 3rd team took on BCU 2 at home who stormed to victory (117-47)
Worcester overcame Gloucester 67-53. Members from our Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair teams came together for the first time ever. The win helped us to a 12-5 victory across all sports. Ensuring Varsity 2025 belonged to University of Worcester. Winning Varsity for the 3rd year in a row
Malaki Cunningham-Pitterson was co-captain with Carol Marques. We managed to catch them when the buzzer sounded, amidst the post game celebrations.
Malaki said “Being the varsity captain was an amazing experience. As a 3rd year student, being able to play and put on a show in front of my peers was satisfying moment. It was huge to win and carry on the streak against Gloucester! shout out everyone, players, coaches especially the ladies who really put on a show
Malaki
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Co-Captain Carolina Marques also enjoyed her time at Varsity. “Varsity was so much fun, it was such a great experience! Being able to play in front of all my friends really made the experience even better.”
Women’s 1st team are Midlands Tier 2 Champions (10-0). They secured the league with 2 win’s in the same night. Wednesday 19th March saw UW Women play 2 games. At 6pm they faced University of Wolverhampton 1st team. Followed by Birmingham City University at 8pm.
This unprecedented event took place due to not having any availability for the fixtures to be played at any other point during the season. With it being the final week of BUCS fixtures, there was no alternative other than to play both games on the same night.
UW Women won both games by comfortable margin. Putting over 100 points on the board in both fixtures. Coach Alexis said “I’m really happy with the performances. I want to give a huge shout out to both BCU and University of Wolverhampton. They both only won one game all season. So to turn up and still compete in the way they did was great!
“Having being relegated to 2A at the end of last season. It’s the first time we have competed in 2A since the 2011-2012 season. So to win it and get back to 1A straight away is great for the team” added Coach Alexis.
In his first season as Coach of this team, Coach Alexis is looking forward to competing in Midlands 1A. “I’ve enjoyed my first season in BUCS and I look forward to competing in 1A next season. The team have worked hard this season, to win the cup and the league is amazing. I’m really happy for them, as they have worked so hard. They really deserve this!”
Last game of the season for our Men’s 2nd team. Travelling across to the east midlands to take on University of Nottingham Men’s 2nd. To decide who gets second place in the league. A slow start from our men allowed Nottingham to get an 8-0 start.Coach Radu called for an early time-out to settle our guys down. The timeout worked and our men rallied and finished the first quarter 21-18.
Second quarter belonged to the home team. Scoring 25pts and taking back the lead to go into half time 43-32. The half time break is exactly what our guys needed! A strong performance in the 3rd quarter, a flurry of 3’s and some great defence, we regained the lead. Going into the 4th quarter 63-56.
The home team managed to reduce this deficit and to even get back in front 74-72 in the last 5 seconds of the game. Captain Malaki Pitterson Cunningham scored after a strong drive to the basket sending the game into overtime: 74-74.
Malaki said “it was great getting to over time after a hard fought game, but the foul trouble hurt us in the fourth.” Having 3 players fouled out in the overtime, we scored 5 points to Nottingham’s 16(12 points from free throw line!!!!) – final score 90-79 for home team. We may have lost the battle, but we won the war. Our men succeeded in maintaining their hold on 2nd place, by having the split over Nottingham.
Coach Alex said “What a great game to finish the season. Everyone came in the game and contributed. Just a shame we didn’t get the win, but we remain in second place so we can be at peace a little bit “
Our Women will look to strengthen their hold on BUCS Midlands 2A. A confident University of Worcester team will be going into todays game looking for their 7th win. Missing key players our women will be looking to get the job done. Coach Alexis said “we’re extremely fortunate to have a deep squad. the players know that with a couple players missing, others will have to step up.”
When asked about preparation for the game, Coach said “Derby are not to be taken lightly, so I’ve demanded a lot of from our team in practice and to be fair to them, they’ve practiced really well this week. So let’s hope that carries over to the game.” He added “their in 2nd place, so this is an important game against a tough team. We’ve got to focus on our defence, our intensity, ball movement and playing as a team.
The second place team are hot on the heels of our women. 3pts currently seperates both teams in the table. Our women will be working to ensure they extend that lead to 6pts by the end of tonight.
Our Men’s 2nd team will be looking to 3 wins in a row this week. As they take on Midlands 2A league winners Loughborough 4’s. Coach Alex Radu and the team know that it won’t be an easy task. The table toppers are yet to lose a game. Storming to eight wins and zero losses to date. Is our team ready to hand Loughborough their first loss of the season?
Coach Alex, had this to say when we caught up with him this morning. “Practice last week and this week has been good. All players responded well in training to my requirements as a coach and despite the fact that we had a few players who were ill or had some minor injuries, overall I believe we are ready for this game against top of the league team (Loughborough) so that we can consolidate our second place by the end of the season!”
Be sure to support our teams this week at University of Worcester Arena.
Men’s 2 tip is 6pm and our Men’s 3’s play Leicester 2’s at 8pm
Before coming to Worcester Sergi was a second year business student at La Salle Barcelona. Whilst studying Sergi played in the Spanish national EBA league for “UE Sant Cugat”.
Sergi came to the University of Worcester as an exchange student thanks to an international partnership with La Salle Barcelona which allowed him complete his third year abroad. Sergi wanted to keep improving his English, whilst embracing a different cultural experience and Worcester felt like a perfect fit because of the business course and basketball program.
Now at the end of the season, Sergi has returned back home to Spain. So we caught up with him to find out what he thought about his time in Worcester
Once you got to Worcester in September did it live up to your expectations.
Completely, the city was great, its people was really nice to me since day one and the University provided all the necessary things for me to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
The guys celebrating one of their wins as members of the Worcester Wolves.(from left to right Sergi, Ian and Bruno)
What was it like playing with fellow country men, Bruno and Ian?
It was great! As a newcomer they introduced me to everyone and they soon became two of my best friends in the city. Inside of the court, it was great to play alongside Ian, one of the best scorers in the league and also with Bruno, who shares the same “fast-break” mentality as myself.
You also got the opportunity to be coached by Andreas Farakos. What was that like.
I believe I speak on behalf of the team when I say that it was a gift this year to have Coach Andreas in the team. His knowledge about the game and his professional experience with Valencia Basket enhanced the team to a new level.
Sergi on the wing for our Men’s 1st team
In your only year with us you got the opportunity to play with our Mens 1st team as well as the Worcester Wolves?
It has been great to be part of both teams this season. Being able to play twice a week in different leagues and against different people really has been a great experience. Personally, I believe that playing in the challenging BUCS Premier league on Wednesdays helped the team to be better prepared for our NBL Wolves games on the weekends.
Sergi finishes the lay-up for the Worcester Wolves
What have you enjoyed most about your time in England?
The University of Worcester is a really international place with students from many different countries and cultures. So, I would say that being able to meet and learn from a diverse student body was the best thing about my time here.
Coach Dean said ” Sergi has been great for us this season on both ends of the floor. When he comes on, you know he’s going to give you a spark of energy. He makes things happen on both ends of the floor. It’s a shame he’s only here for one season, we’ve definitely enjoyed having him here with us. I know he’s had a great time here as a student athlete. I wish him all the best in the future”
What’s are some of your favourites memories from the season?
I believe that went I look back to this season I will remember, among other things, the great atmosphere that was breathen in home games. The Arena was always filled with many local families and kids, which was really felt as our 6th man. From those times played at the Arena, the moment on the Semi-final playoff game when London Thunder miss the three that let us advance to the Playoff Final is my favourite moment. The excitement and the adrenaline from that moment is unforgettable.
Being from Spain, there’s a different culture to the UK, weathers different, food is different. What was your favourite food that you wish you had in Spain.
My favourite English food by far is an English breakfast wrap. Without beans though. I do not know why you guys put beans with everything lol
At the start of the season did you think you’d be part of a team that would win the league and get to the playoff final?
To be honest, I always believed we had a team that could compete in the NBL. We did not only have great players in different positions but I also think that the group really got along with each other, which chemistry helped the team be more efficient on the court while achieving the objectives set at the beginning of the season.
Finally, what are your plans when you return home?
I’ll be spending May at home with my family, whilst volunteering for a local organization to help a 12 year old Ukrainian boy to establish himself in the city and learn some Spanish. During May I will also be attending the Basketball Champions LeagueFinal 4 in Bilbao, Spain. I am really excited about that because the city in Spain where I am from (Manresa) will be competing in it. Apart from that, I am now in the process of getting a Visa to go get another experience away from home during the whole summer in Sydney, Australia where the plan is to be working and sightseeing with a friend. As the summer ends my plan is to end my Business degree in La Salle Barcelona while I keep playing basketball.
Sounds like a great time ahead for Sergi. We wish him all the best in the future. He’s promised he’ll come back and visit, so hopefully we see him back in Worcester soon. If you’d like to know more about study abroad opportunities here at UW, pleaseclick here
