Another gripping round of VNL saw several hard-fought contests as well as commanding wins! The Hawks enjoyed a night at home, hosting Casey Demons at Oakleigh Recreational Centre.
CHAMPIONSHIP
Wilson Storage Southern Saints (48) defeated by Boroondara Express (66)
Melbourne University Lightning (51) defeated Geelong Cougars (46)
Ariels (47) defeated by City West Falcons (82)
Peninsula Waves (56) defeated by North East Blaze (59)
Hawks Netball (48) defeated by Casey Demons (59)
Boroondara Express are back on the winners list after taking down the Saints by 18 goals. Isabelle Hodgeson was outstanding under the post, scoring more than half of Express’ goals, while Sarah Szczykulski shone in goalkeeper with multiple defensive rebounds. Tadiwanashe Kahonde fought hard defensively for the Saints, but Express proved too hard to catch.
Melbourne University Lightning were also back to their best with a rebounding win against the Cougars. Lightning’s Maggie Caris was a pillar in defence, while Kelsie Rainbow was a star in the midcourt throughout all four quarters.
Casey Demons made it three in a row with an upset against Hawks Netball at Oakleigh Recreation Centre. The crowd were treated to a masterclass in attack from both sides with Kaylia Stanton scoring a phenomenal 44 goals at 94% accuracy for the Hawks, while Demons Emma Ryde made life difficult for the Hawks defence with 49 goals in their 11-goal victory.
DIVISION 1
Wilson Storage Southern Saints (63) defeated Boroondara Express (55)
Melbourne University Lightning (41) defeated by Geelong Cougars (54)
Ariels (41) defeated by City West Falcons (65)
Peninsula Waves (49) defeated by North East Blaze (75)
Hawks Netball (57) defeated Casey Demons (29)
Geelong Cougars enjoyed back-to-back wins after defeating Melbourne University Lightning. Lightning got off to a hot start, taking the lead going into the first break, but the ladder leaders clawed their way back to claim a 13-goal victory. Elisa Hall was on fire in the circle, while Georgia Finn had a great night in the midcourt with multiple intercepts throughout the match. Emily Lacy, Cougars’ Strength and Conditioning Coach, applauded her side in their hard-fought win.
“It was a really hard-fought and contested game,” Lacy said.
“The girls did so well with one percent efforts for every ball... just really playing for each other so it was great to see.”
While it was a well-rounded team performance, Lacy was especially impressed by Finn’s efforts in the midcourt.
“Georgia Finn did really really well and had something like ten intercepts,” Lacy continued.
“She was amazing, and the team’s performance really backed her up.”
In other matchups, City West Falcons and Hawks Netball continued their winning streaks with victories against Ariels and the Demons respectively. The Saints also tallied some points, bouncing back from last week’s loss with an eight-goal win over Express. Saints’ Hayley Howard was spectacular in attack, scoring 49 goals at 96% accuracy, while Dee Dee Lambert starred for Express with 39 goals of her own.
19&UNDER
Wilson Storage Southern Saints (64) defeated Boroondara Express (40)
Melbourne University Lightning (67) defeated Geelong Cougars (34)
Ariels (35) defeated by City West Falcons (63)
Peninsula Waves (49) defeated by North East Blaze (59)
Hawks Netball (46) defeated Casey Demons (31)
City West Falcons asserted some dominance with a big win over Ariels. Holly Adams-Alcock had another impressive night under the post, scoring an impressive 41 goals for the Falcons, while Kiralee Collings was unstoppable as wing attack, with her exceptional court coverage and pinpoint passing on full display. Ariels’ Anaisis Tupuailei and Eloise Argoon were valiant in defence against a strong Falcons outfit.
North East Blaze also continued their hot form after defeating Peninsula Waves. Blaze’s Taiysha Wallis and Tara Watson were powerful in the midcourt, showcasing their ability to make space and read the play throughout the match. Luiza Sulemani also stood tall in defence in the side’s 10 goal victory. Waves’ Charlize Gabel Joseph fought hard in the circle, scoring 33 of their 49 goals.
UP NEXT
Round 13 – Wednesday 14 June
- City West Falcons vs Hawks Netball (Livestream – Kommunity TV)
- Ariels vs Peninsula Waves (Livestream – Netball Victoria Facebook Page)
- Melbourne University Lightning vs Boroondara Express
- Casey Demons vs Geelong Cougars
- North East Blaze vs Wilson Storage Southern Saints
