The Victorian Netball League is set to heat up across Melbourne on Wednesday night for Round 14 of the home and away season.
With only five rounds remaining until finals, the race to secure a place in the top four is in full swing.
The State Netball and Hockey Centre (SNHC) will host three matches on Wednesday from 7pm.
Championship leaders the City West Falcons will take on fifth placed DC North East Blaze on court four.
Blaze Head Coach Kate Upton is looking for a four quarter performance from her team.
“We need to have the ability to execute the game plan consistently each quarter, along with knowing when to change it up,” Upton said.
The Victorian Fury Assistant Coach has been impressed by the performances of the Division One and 19/Under teams this season, which currently sit first and second respectively.
“We have a great amount of depth,” Upton said.
“Our most consistent players have been Ty Coppinger and Georgia Harper, but in saying that they have great support around them. All 12 players challenge each other to create a positive environment to continue not only the growth within the team, but each other.”
Currently sitting two points higher than the Blaze on the Championship ladder, the Wilson Storage Southern Saints are favoured to win their clash against the ACU Sovereigns.
The Sovereigns have struggled in Championship and Division One this season, so far taking home two victories across both competitions
At 19/Under level they currently hold a two game advantage ahead of the Saints in fourth place.
Last time the two teams met in Round Three the Sovereigns produced an 11 goal victory and Coach Kerry Lightfoot is looking for a repeat performance.
“We performed well last time we played Saints winning 53 to 42 and rotating a number of combinations on the court,” Lightfoot said.
The final match at the SNHC on Wednesday will see the Monash University Storm host the Peninsula Waves.
The pick of the games looks set to be their Division One clash, with the Waves looking to move a step closer to securing a place in the finals against the eighth-placed Storm.
In the remaining two fixtures of the round, the Yarra Grammar Valley Ariels will travel to the Boroondara Sports Complex to take on the Boroondara Express, and the Geelong Cougars will host the Melbourne University Lightning at Eagle Stadium.
VNL Round 14 Fixtures
Wednesday 6 July, 7pm
Monash University Storm v Peninsula Waves (SNHC Court 3)
City West Falcons v DC North East Blaze (SNHC Court 4)
Wilson Storage Southern Saints v ACU Sovereigns (SNHC Court 5)
Boroondara Express v Yarra Valley Grammar Ariels (Boroondara Sports Complex)
Wednesday 6 July, 7.30pm
Geelong Cougars v Melbourne University Lightning (Eagle Stadium)
