KEY MOMENTS
Championship
- The North East Blaze held off a final quarter surge from the Western Warriors to secure a thrilling one-goal victory. Holding a confident five-goal lead at the final break, Blaze were put under immense pressure as the Warriors lifted defensively, forcing crucial turnovers to close the gap and taking the lead in the dying minutes. Despite the fight back, Blaze kept their composure to seal the win with a last second intercept from Georgia Bowkett. Tara Watson and Ruby Shannon had a strong contest in the midcourt, with both having periods of control throughout the game. For the Warriors, Kim Borger was strong with the ball under the post, shooting 25 goals at 100%, while Ruby Tidd celebrated her 150th game with a strong defensive showing.
- A close finish for Boroondara Express was met with a tough contest against the Bendigo Strikers. Express established a six-goal lead at quarter time, but the Strikers responded strongly, using strategic positional changes to claw their way back into the match. The Strikers took the lead late in the third quarter, but a five-goal run for Express swung the score back in their favour. The split shooting load between Gabe Richards (24 goals, 92%) and Teal Hocking (26 goals, 92%) made the Strikers attack unpredictable. Taylah Brown was key for Express in wing defence with her closing speed and agility disrupting the Strikers attack.
- In a 1 vs 3 battle, City West Falcons claimed a narrow two-goal victory over Hawks Netball. This is the closest margin for the Falcons so far this season, the previous being five goals against the same opponent. The Falcons looked in control early, leading by 10 in the second quarter, but the Hawks mounted an impressive comeback to level the scores heading into the final term. Chloe Duke was a standout in defence for the Hawks, producing crucial deflections to stop the feeds into the Falcons’ shooting circle. The introduction of Eryn Stocker at wing attack sparked the Hawks' resurgence. However, the Falcons’ midcourt duo of Montana Holmes and Maggie Lind proved too clinical, helping their side with the win.
23&Under
- The Geelong Cougars’ relentless full-court defensive pressure proved too much for the Casey Demons. The Cougars’ intensity forced key turnovers and disrupted the Demons' attack, paving the way for a well-earned victory. Despite strong efforts from Lupe Fonua and Gemma Meadley, the Demons couldn’t match the Cougars’ defensive tenacity led by Charli Hoey.
- Melbourne University Lightning secured a much-needed victory over the Southern Saints in a hard-fought contest. Despite the Saints jumping out to an early lead, the Lightning responded swiftly to level the scores by quarter time. From there, the match remained tight until a series of three-goal runs gave the Lightning the momentum they needed. Lavinia Fox (15 goals, 88%) was outstanding for the Saints, combining seamlessly with Hayley Howard (30 goals, 100%) in attack while also delivering crucial defensive turnovers. Abbey Hogg was impressive in the Lightning midcourt alongside Millie Hogg whose speed on the centre pass and vision into the circle was difficult to contain.
- After their previous clash ended in a draw, the Peninsula Waves emerged victorious against the Gippsland Stars. The Stars held the lead at quarter time, but a 16-9 second quarter for Waves took control of the match. Myah Healey was back in form, shooting 21 goals at 80% while being put under pressure by Waves’ Abbey Whitaker. Gabby Linton played a key role in wing defence, applying consistent pressure, while Charlize Gabel Joseph continued her hot form under the post (29 goals, 82%).
RESULTS
Championship
Peninsula Waves (57) vs (49) Gippsland Stars
North East Blaze (58) vs (57) Western Warriors
Boroondara Express (53) vs (50) Bendigo Strikers
Geelong Cougars (45) vs (64) Casey Demons
City West Falcons (65) vs (63) Hawks Netball
Wilson Storage Southern Saints (51) vs (60) Melbourne University Lightning
23&Under
Peninsula Waves (55) vs (43) Gippsland Stars
North East Blaze (64) vs (50) Western Warriors
Boroondara Express (45) vs (62) Bendigo Strikers
Geelong Cougars (58) vs (43) Casey Demons
City West Falcons (56) vs (64) Hawks Netball
Wilson Storage Southern Saints (50) vs (61) Melbourne University Lightning
HOT SHOT LEADERBOARDS
Championship
- 715 – Jane Cook (Falcons)
- 570 – Emma Ryde (Demons)
- 514 – Ashlea Mawer (Hawks)
23&Under
- 552 – Olivia Cawthray (Blaze)
- 370 – Hayley Howard (Saints)
- 362 – Charlize Gabel Joseph (Waves)
NEXT UP – ROUND 13
Wednesday 11 June
Western Warriors vs Melbourne University Lighting
Boroondara Express vs North East Blaze
City West Falcons vs Southern Saints
Geelong Cougars vs Hawks Netball
Bendigo Strikers vs Gippsland Stars
Casey Demons vs Peninsula Waves
