College A showed why it is such an exciting team to watch in the premier grade when it thumped University-Albion A 66-38 at the weekend.
Uni-Albion was competitive in the first half, after which it trailed by just seven goals, but the wheels fell off in the second half.
Injuries to two of Uni-Albion's midcourt players early in the third quarter did not help its plight.
Uni-Albion's first-quarter performance was positive, especially in its shooting third, with feeders cutting and passing well and finding the shooters easily.
Goal shoot Olivia van Diepen owned the baseline and held strongly while goal attack Bridget Thayer drew the defenders.
College wing defence Dani Gray was heavily penalised when contesting for the ball, so it was no surprise when she was moved back to goal keep for the second quarter.
This move put more pressure on the Uni-Albion shooters and with her elevation, Gray pulled in plenty of defensive rebounds.
College applied full-court pressure, forcing a held ball in its own goal third and converting it to extend the lead to seven goals at halftime.
Uni-Albion made some changes at halftime but when two of its players came off injured, it was left with few options.
It did hold on for the rest of the quarter, trailing 40-31 at the break.
College came to the party in the final quarter, playing with confidence and flair.
Uni-Albion struggled to shut down College centre Stacey Peeters, whose speed and precision on the pass constantly caught Uni-Albion defenders off guard.
College managed to score 26 goals in the final quarter, with Uni-Albion managing just seven.
College captain Olivia Bates was happy with her team's performance in the second half.
In the other premier game at the weekend, Southern beat Phys Ed 85-60. The game between South Otago High School and Southern Tui has been rescheduled.
- Bridget Rutherford
