The Dunedin school made the eight after beating Villa Maria 37-32 in their final opening pool game in Auckland yesterday morning.
They were then drawn in a tough pool alongside Avondale, Hamilton Girls’ — who are the defending champions from 2019 — and Howick.
Columba were up for the challenge against Avondale, pushing them the entire way until a seven-goal run at the end of the final quarter gave Avondale a 41-34 win.
It was a disappointing finish for Columba, who were level at the end of every quarter in a game which had many lead changes.
Goal attack Lucy Morrison was a workhorse, putting in 20 feeds, 17 goal assists and slotting 10 goals, and goal keep Emilie Nicholson picked up three rebounds and three intercepts.
They will need to bounce back when they face Howick, who have looked strong in the opening two days with big wins over New Plymouth Girls’, Mount Albert Grammar and St Andrew’s College, this morning.
Columba will then play Hamilton Girls’ this afternoon.
