MELBOURNE (Interstat) — The Northern Force defeated the Bendigo Braves 78-70 on Friday, May 1, 2026, in NBL1 women’s action. Sarah O’Neill paced the Force with 17 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Rebekka Kalaydjiev scored 19 points, Parker Hill added 15 points and seven rebounds, Keely Froling contributed 17 points and seven assists, and Josie Pinkerton chipped in 10 points off the bench. Northern Force improved to 1-6 while Bendigo dropped to 3-3.

For the Braves, Olivia Pollerd posted 29 points, eight rebounds and three blocks, and Ahlise Hurst had 25 points, four assists and three rebounds. Jessica Smith scored 10 points, and Mia Harvey added five assists. Bendiga shot 39.0 percent from the floor, 30.8 percent from three-point range and 71.4 percent from the free-throw line. Northern Force shot 42.9 percent from the floor, 35.0 percent from beyond the arc and 66.7 percent from the stripe. The Force avenged a six-game losing streak to open the season.