University-Albion A earned direct entry into the premier club final with a 51-41 win over Southern A on Saturday.
Southern A put up a valiant effort and, if it was not for slight lapses of play in the third and fourth quarters, it would have stayed in the game.
In the opening quarter, it was anyone's game, with both teams seemingly nervous and losing possession through unforced errors.
Southern took the early advantage with centre Emma Johns getting a mid-court intercept.
University-Albion opened with Jodie Brown at goal attack, though an early injury forced her to switch with goal shoot Lizzie Sandom.
In a tit-for-tat quarter, Southern went to the break leading 11-10.
In a second quarter typified by the immense defensive effort by both teams, it was left to hard-working wing attacks Kate Shearer (Southern) and Shannon Francois (University-Albion) to find attacking spaces to feed passes into the shooters.
With the scores tied 21-21, it was set for an exciting second half.
In an insightful move, University-Albion changed Brown from goal shoot to wing attack, putting Sandom back to goal shoot and bringing Kirsten Craig on to goal attack.
Brown's extra height and presence created more space and opportunities for it on attack and proved difficult for Southern to defend.
University-Albion won the third quarter 13-8 and the fourth 16-12.
Phys Ed A proved too strong against University-Albion B, winning the second semifinal 52-35.
University-Albion B should be pleased with its fourth placing after being promoted from Premier B earlier in the season.
Phys Ed A looked as if it played a ho-hum game, often lacking intensity.
University-Albion played with heart and determination and gained the hearts of the small crowd.
Its dogged defensive effort was typified by wing defence Kit Dimitrevesta, a continual thorn in Phys Ed's side.
Phys Ed A will need to lift its game if it wants to beat Southern A in this week's game to decide who will play University-Albion A in the final.
In the fifth-sixth play-off, Southern B beat Phys Ed B 56-30.
