Round 7 of the VNL promises to be a big one with a top of the table clash in the 19/Under division between Melbourne University Lightning and City West Falcons, while North East Blaze remain undefeated in Division 1.
Fixture
Boroondara Express v Wilson Storage Saints
Geelong Cougars v Casey Demons
Ariels v Hawks Netball
Melbourne University Lightning v City West Falcons
North East Blaze v Peninsula Waves
Championship: Olivia Morris
Olivia Morris has been a key player in the Ariels attack end this season with the goaler proving to be a headache for defenders. Morris can play both goal attack and goal shooter and can really open up the goal circle for her fellow goaler in Stacey Gannon with the pair creating a dangerous moving circle. Her strong baseline drives allow Ariels to go to post with ease and can play that holding shooter role quite well. Morris is dangerous from anywhere in the goal circle, whether it be directly under the post or that bit further out. It will be a tough battle when Olivia Morris and the Ariels face a strong Hawks Netball outfit on Wednesday night, with the Ariels still looking to get their first win of the season in the Championship division.
Division 1: Ruby Tidd
Ruby Tidd has been really strong in defence for the North East Blaze this season having great game sense to be able to produce intercepts and deflections. There’s not many passages of play in the Blaze’s defensive half that Tidd hasn’t got a finger or an intercept in, which really increases the pressure on the opposition's shooters. Being able to play both defensive positions, she proves to be versatile and brings something different to the Blaze in both roles. Across the season Tidd has created a formidable partnership with Nakita Singe with the pair playing a huge role in the Blaze’s undefeated run constantly creating plenty of turnover ball. It will be a great clash when Tidd meets a dangerous Peninsula Waves goal circle this Wednesday.
19/Under: Montaya Sardi
Montaya Sardi has been strong for Melbourne University Lightning and has played a huge role in keeping the Lightning at the top of the ladder in the 19/Under division. While she can play in goal defence and centre, Sardi's strongest position is wing defence. She’s got a great read on the ball that sees her collect plenty of intercepts and has the game sense to make sure that she’s in the right place at the right time. Sardi also has that element of speed that can make the transition of the ball quite smooth through the midcourt and into the attacking third. Sardi will be up for the challenge when the Lightning face the City West Falcons in a top of the table blockbuster.
