Southern was desperate for the win and came out of the blocks firing, heading to a three goal lead early in the first quarter.
However, a quick two goal run enabled University Albion to close the gap to just one goal at the first break, as the defensive duo of Sam Hollows and Rose Spence picked up quality ball in the shooting circle.
It did not take long for University Albion to equalise in the second quarter, and it quickly gained a two goal lead.
Midcourters Georgie McFarlane and Rachael Horrocks worked well in tandem, utilising the angles and hitting the circle edge to help extend the lead to four midway through the quarter.
At halftime, with her side trailing by four, Southern coach Georgie Salter rang the changes, bringing Jen O'Connell into goal shoot and moving Nicole Meikle out to wing attack to look for connections on attack that had been lacking in the first half.
The changes paid off, Southern drawing level at 34-34 with five minutes left in the third quarter, and University Albion appeared rattled, leading to some sloppy turnovers.
For the final quarter, University Albion coach Noeline Scott brought on fresh legs.
Emma King moved into goal shoot and Lucy Garner went to goal keep.
Both teams lifted their intensity in the final quarter and it came down to which would hold its composure to get the win.
University Albion gained a crucial turnover to take the lead and that was all it took to close out the game.
Scott was pleased her players displayed cool heads under pressure.
''The girls have really grown since the start of the season. Their ability to be mentally tough in those tight situations is awesome to see,'' Scott said.
Southern coach Georgie Salter was frustrated at her team's mistakes.
''They just made silly mistakes at crucial times. At times it was immature mistakes and we will have to learn from that,'' Salter said.
Earlier in the day, Phys Ed A beat Southern Tui 69-50 and College A defeated the newly promoted University Albion B 64-24.
By Jamie Keay.
