Strong final quarter key in Albion win

University Albion A goal keep Lucy Win-Hewetson (left) and goal defence Bridget Welsh (centre)...
University Albion A goal keep Lucy Win-Hewetson (left) and goal defence Bridget Welsh (centre) compete with College A goal attack Olivia Bates for the ball after a shot from College at the Edgar Centre on Saturday. Photo: Gregor Richardson
A strong final quarter from University Albion A enabled it to  beat College A 61-48 in the Premier A competition on Saturday.

Leading 38-36 at the end of the third quarter, Albion went into the last quarter ready to tackle the game head on.

Albion won the fourth quarter 23-12 after a big defensive effort that was repeatedly rewarded by goal shoot Renne Tuifagalele and goal attack Danya Price.

Tuifagalele entered the game at halftime, provided a strong holding target at the back for Albion and finished with 25 goals from 27 attempts. Price offered good support, rolling the top of the circle and opening up space on the baseline for Tuifagalele. Her long shot was undeniable in the last quarter enabling her to shoot 26/35 overall. Goal keep Lucy Win-Hewetson had a dynamic game with her long stretch making it hard for feeds to reach the College shooters. College, however, looked confident of winning the game after leading 16-9 at the first quarter.

Southern Steel player Olivia Bates suited up for College at goal attack for the first time this season. Bates directed traffic in the attack end by moving the ball swiftly and set up screens to create space for goal shoot Liz Herbison. Herbison moved to wing attack during the second quarter and provided finessed feeds into Bates.

College centre Julia Law drove hard into the pocket and several give and gos with Bates  resulted in easy goals. Albion set a high zone in the centre third making it hard for College to penetrate. College played into the Albion zone, not giving itself a long clearing option when trying to move the ball down the court. The zone brought Albion into the game and it went into halftime at 23-23.

Albion wing attack Abbey Johnston found easy space at the top of the circle helping her effortlessly feed into Tuifagalele and Price. College stayed in the game late into the third quarter but misplaced passes, replayed balls and penalties against it allowed Albion to run away.

Albion did not play a flashy game but implemented the basics well and capitalised on every ball that came its way. 

- Kayla Hodge

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