Rocci guides Venom to comeback win over Caps

The Geelong Venom opened their 2026 TechnologyOne Townsville Tip Off in dramatic fashion on Saturday, fighting back to defeat the UC Capitals 90-86.

In what was both team's first game at the annual pre-season tournament, the Venom raced out to a commanding 27-19 lead at quarter-time.

That lead grew to 12 points by half-time, thanks to a 21-17 term in favour of Geelong.

The match flipped on its head in the third period, with a different looking Caps team dominating the 10 minutes 32-16.

Geelong didn't shy away from the challenge though, powering back into the lead and securing the four-point win thanks to a 26-18 term.

In her Venom debut, Australian Opal Maddy Rocci scored a game-high 31 points, as well as collecting 9 rebounds, 3 steals and 1 assist.

Rocci was one of five Geelong players to score in double-figures, being joined by the returning Bec Cole (15), Lilly Rotunno (14), Alex Sharp (11) and Indi Bowyer (11).

In the loss, Megan McConnell, Nicole Munger and Sharne Robati all had 18 for the Caps.

Both teams return to the court on Sunday, with the Caps playing Southside Melbourne and Geelong taking on Bendigo.

Watch every Tip Off game live on 9Now and Disney+.