Perth Lynx Veteran Alex Ciabattoni Embraces Pressure Ahead of WNBL Grand Final
Perth Lynx veteran Alex Ciabattoni has openly declared her desire to handle the high-pressure moments in the WNBL grand final, stating that previous disappointments have mentally prepared her for such critical occasions. As the Lynx prepare for game two of the grand final series against Townsville at the sold-out Perth High Performance Centre on Sunday, Ciabattoni reflects on past heartbreaks to fuel her motivation.
Learning from Past Grand Final Heartbreaks
The Lynx's recent home grand finals have been marked by extraordinary drama. In 2022, import Marina Mabrey missed a free throw on the buzzer that would have sent the game to overtime, resulting in a one-point loss. Then in 2024, Anneli Maley missed two free throws and a lay-up in the final minute when scores were level, allowing Southside to hit the match-winning shot on the buzzer. Ciabattoni, who watched the 2022 finish from the bench and was on the court during the 2024 drama, emphasizes that she wants the ball if a similar situation arises again.
"I'd rather be on the court and in that position and have to play through that than be watching it in someone else's hands," Ciabattoni said. "I've been put in that situation a few times in the last two seasons. I know it's not grand final pressure, but I have had the ball in my hands at times when games are coming down to the last shot."
Mental Preparation and Unfinished Business
Ciabattoni believes her experiences have equipped her to handle stress effectively. "As much as it's stressful, I think I've been in that situation enough to hopefully be able to play through it. If I'm in the moment, it's not that stressful. When I'm watching, the anxiety and stress is a lot more real," she explained. Her journey includes being part of the Lynx team that won the minor premiership in 2018 but missed the grand final due to a nightmare travel schedule, a setback that drove her to return to the game after becoming a mother.
"There's unfinished business for me," Ciabattoni stated. "Grand finals are really hard to get to and they're even harder to win. Those past experiences are important. They make me not take it for granted. Some people are a Development Player who happen to be on the team that wins the grand final and they become a championship player straight away. I haven't been able to get that yet."
Looking Ahead to the Townsville Clash
With the Lynx needing a victory after losing the first game on Thursday, Ciabattoni's mindset highlights the team's resilience and determination. Her willingness to embrace pressure underscores the intense preparation and mental fortitude required in professional basketball, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown in Perth.
