Netball: University Albion secures first win of season

Southern Tui goal shoot Tenisha Fifita (left) struggles to shake University Albion B goal keep...
Southern Tui goal shoot Tenisha Fifita (left) struggles to shake University Albion B goal keep Hannah Cowie during a Dunedin premier A club netball match at the Edgar Centre last night. University won 63-50. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH
University Albion B beat Southern Tui 63-50 at the Edgar Centre last night to secure its first win of the premier A grade competition.

The game was extremely tight for the first three quarters, as both teams chased their first win of the season, but University created a 10-goal advantage late in the game. University secured an early two-goal lead after capitalising on Southern attacking errors coupled with confident passes into its shooters courtesy of midcourters Mikayla Latta and Analise Cowie.

The game was goal-for-goal for the majority of the first quarter and players were evenly matched throughout the court, providing for good competition at every position. University extended its lead to three goals towards the end of the first quarter, following a defensive rebound, but strong midcourt defence and quick attack allowed Southern to even the scores.

The second quarter started with a change for Southern as Steph Brensell took to the court at goal keep and made an immediate impact as she created a turnover for her team. This allowed Southern to take an early lead after nailing the first two goals, thanks to its defensive efforts and slick movement through court.

Latta continued to show her confident passing into the circle, throwing long passes into shooters Bayley Smith and Bailee Hutton who were well-positioned under the hoop. The match remained tight and the score was tied once again midway through the quarter as both teams settled into their work University was slick through court and gained a two- goal lead towards the end of the quarter but could not fully break away, as Southern once again evened the scores.

University goal attack Smith got her team off to a good third quarter, slotting a long-range attempt but Southern was quick to retaliate courtesy of goal shoot Tenisha Fifita. Both teams were strong through court but Southern held a narrow lead at the halfway mark.

A turnover by University defender Lucy Win-Hewetson followed by her team's centre pass allowed University to level the game. It had a four-goal lead going into the final quarter which quickly blew out to 10-goals despite Southern's best efforts to shut down the opposition.

Both teams fought until the final whistle but University was ultimately too strong in the final quarter and Southern was unable to narrow the deficit.

In other games, St Hilda's A edged Phys Ed B 42-41, University Albion A downed Southern Magpies 54-45 and Phys Ed A defeated College A 49-43.

 

-Jess Wilson 

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