Phys Ed A remains unbeaten in the premier A grade competition, beating University Albion A 53-45 in a well-fought game at the Edgar Centre last night.
Last night's encounter marked University's first loss of the season.
The scores were even early in the game before University created the first turnover, but Phys Ed snatched the ball back in the midcourt to keep the scores level.
Phys Ed started to break away midway through the quarter with a three-goal lead but it did not take long for University to close the gap to one.
The competition was tight, as both teams managed to upset each other's game, but Phys Ed ended the quarter with a one-goal advantage after scoring just before the whistle.
University took the lead for the first time early in the second quarter, following a Phys Ed attacking error, and extended its lead to four goals, through tight one-on-one defence.
Three quick goals by Phys Ed narrowed the score and it trailed by just one goal.
The teams scored goal for goals towards the end of the quarter but University maintained its lead, heading into the second half with an important one-goal advantage.
Phys Ed pegged back the one-goal deficit to level the scores early in the second half.
Defender Kelly Groot took to the court for Phys Ed in the second half and made an immediate impact, helping to secure two turnovers which allowed her team to take a four-goal lead.
Neither team was able to fully break away as University narrowed the margin to one goal midway through the quarter.
University defenders Samara Hollows and Lucy Garner were tight on defence, putting pressure on their opponents and often deflecting the ball away.
Phys Ed had a three-goal lead heading into the final quarter and scored three quick goals to extend its lead to six points, the biggest margin to that point.
Strong defensive pressure took its toll on Phys Ed, as University forced a turnover to narrow the score to four goals.
University remained as strong as ever in the final minutes of the game but Phys Ed secured the win, building on its four-goal advantage to win the game by eight points.
In other games, College A beat Southern Magpies 44-38, Southern Tui edged St Hilda's 52-51, and University Albion B downed Phys Ed B 58-35.
- Jess Wilson
