University-Albion came into form at the weekend with a convincing win over South Otago High School 69-27 in the Premier competition.
Uni-Albion kept the school team out of contention, limiting South Otago to just two goals throughout the first quarter.
South Otago struggled against Uni-Albion's defensive pressure off the centre pass, resulting in a lot of turnover ball.
It is often doing the basics well that wins a game, and Uni-Albion did just that, with straight lines down the court, and accurate passing and shooting.
Uni-Albion feeders worked well with their shooters, penetrating the circle edge easily with triangles and holds.
Down the other end, the Uni-Albion circle defenders pushed their opponents out of the circle, forcing the long shot or turnover.
The lead extended to 36-9 at the halftime break and Uni-Albion made changes in defence and at centre.
Wing attack Megan Morrison stood out for South Otago, driving strongly to the top of the circle for a better position at feeding the ball.
However, that drive was lacking in the midcourt for the school side, and it struggled to get the ball down to its goal third.
Uni-Albion shooter Olivia van Diepen was impressive, rarely missing a shot and finding space in the shooting circle with ease.
Uni-Albion extended its lead to 50-17 at the end of the third quarter.
South Otago began to fire in the fourth, putting on its best quarter performance of the game.
Abby Erwood's move out to goal defence added punch through the court that the school side had been lacking, and the shooters began to find the hoop.
However, Uni-Albion was too strong for the school side, winning the game comfortably.
Uni-Albion coach Noeline Scott was impressed with the way her team moved the ball.
''We finally got our timing right,'' she said.
In other Premier games: Phys Ed A beat Southern Tui 62-35, and Southern Magpies beat College 57-49.
• Southland Girls' High School is through to the semifinals of the College netball tournament after beating South Otago High School 28-17 in a round six match last night.
The game doubled as a curtain-raiser for the Steel's ANZ Championship fixture against the Mystics in Invercargill. Southland was too strong, leading 15-7 at halftime.
By Bridget Rutherford.
