Ella Southby’s goal marked a bittersweet victory. The University Albion A goal attack had the final say, slotting through the decisive goal of her club career in her side’s 49-38 win over College A at the Edgar Centre. It was a fitting end for Uni Albion as they celebrated their fourth consecutive Dunedin premier A title on Saturday. It has been a remarkable chapter for the club, who have been the benchmark all season and went through unbeaten. Southby and co-captain Neve Graamans — who were celebrating their third titles — were thrilled with the victory. “It’s pretty cool, to be honest,’’ Southby said. “Really surreal, excited — probably hasn’t sunk in yet.’’ It was a special moment to saviour with about five players moving on next season, including themselves. “We wanted to do it for each other,’’ Graamans said. There are plenty of family connections throughout the team: Southby and Graamans are cousins, Southby’s sister Grace is a standout centre and Graamans’ mother, Megan, is head coach. “There’s a few family connections, which is so cool,’’ Ella Southby said. “It’s just such a good group of girls who get on so well on and off the court — just super special.’’ Megan Graamans was delighted for her team, who worked hard to build their connections all season. “They’re all just really determined and they push each other,’’ the coach said. “They’re a talented group of girls so it was just making sure that we could get the connections, and get them working as a team, but they’re just willing to work so hard.’’ Uni Albion set their platform in the opening quarter, jumping out to a six-point lead. Defender Emilie Nicholson pressured the pass into the circle and picked up ball. She boxed out on the shot, came up with a clutch rebound and helped her side get on the front foot as Uni Albion led 14-8 at the break. Neve Beattie was a strong target under the hoop for Uni Albion and always provided a release option when her attackers got stuck. College midcourters Zoey Flockton and Kiana Pelasio used the width of the court, firing the ball deep in the pocket to find space. They started to help College find some rhythm on attack. But Uni Albion went on a six-point unanswered run and shut down their final feed into the circle. Uni Albion goal keep Sovaia Sabutu used her foot work and came around her opponent, and picked off some stunning ball to help her side lead 27-16 at halftime. Then College mounted their comeback. Defender Holly McRae, who fought for everything, picked the pocket and helped swing the momentum to her side. They closed the gap to 10 and their fans cheered them on. They forced Uni Albion into errors and College rode the wave. Goal attack Ella MacKenzie glided through court and College won the quarter 10-7. They trailed 34-26 at the break. But Uni Albion showed their class to withstand the surge in the fourth. They played the ball around and Ella Southby, who shot 25 from 31 goals, continued to go to the post to ensure the win. kayla.hodge@odt.co.nz
