THE Australian Opals' future is looking rosy after the young side pulled off a series win over China at Dandenong on Friday night.
The world champion Opals secured the three-game series 2-1 with a tough 95-88 triumph in a physical game.
Beijing Olympian Rohanee Cox was at her athletic best with 22 points and six rebounds to lead the Opals in scoring while point guard Natalie Hurst bagged 21 points and seven assists. Opals centre Hollie Grima backed up her 21-point effort on Monday night with an 11-point, 10-rebound double. China's Miao Lijie posted a game high 27 points.
With veteran guard Alicia Poto on the sidelines with a hamstring tear it was up to Hurst, in her debut year with the Opals, to take control. Opals Head Coach Carrie Graf said she was pleased with Hurst's performance.
"I think Natty [Hurst] really stepped up. We talked a lot to her about trying to score, come off screens and be attacking."
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