All teams left it out on the court in the final round of the VNL home and away season! The State Netball Centre was treated to close contests and commanding wins in what was a night to remember.
CHAMPIONSHIP
Geelong Cougars (74) defeated Peninsula Waves (49)
Hawks Netball (58) defeated North East Blaze (50)
Wilson Storage Southern Saints (49) defeated by Melbourne University Lightning (61)
City West Falcons (65) defeated Casey Demons (51)
Boroondara Express (66) defeated Ariels (46)
Melbourne University have cemented their finals berth after defeating Wilson Storage Southern Saints by 11 goals. The Saints took an early lead, but the fourth-placed Lightning fired up to claim the points. Mikaela Vaughan produced a standout performance with 41 goals at 93% accuracy, while Ramayer Gourley and Gabrielle Coffey stood tall in defence at the other end of the court. Emily Andrew fought hard for the Saints, scoring 29 of their 49 goals, but Lightning proved too strong.
Hawks Netball have rejoined the winners list to finish their season on a high with an eight-goal win over North East Blaze. The crowd were treated to a masterclass in attack from Kaylia Stanton who scored an unbelievable 49 goals at 94% accuracy, while Jasmine Ferguson had a night to remember in centre. Blaze’s Ty Coppinger gave it her all in the back third against a strong Hawks lineup.
Geelong Cougars and Boroondara Express enjoyed commanding wins against Peninsula Waves and Ariels respectively, while minor premiers City West Falcons defeated Casey Demons by 14 goals. Jane Cook continued her red-hot form with 49 goals at 96% accuracy, while Sienna Allen was solid in goalkeeper. Demon Emma Ryde finished her season with a valiant 60 minutes, scoring 34 of their 51 goals.
DIVISION 1
Geelong Cougars (69) defeated Peninsula Waves (50)
Hawks Netball (49) defeated North East Blaze (45)
Wilson Storage Southern Saints (56) defeated by Melbourne University Lightning (63)
City West Falcons (59) defeated Casey Demons (38)
Boroondara Express (46) defeated Ariels (43)
Division 1 saw some tight tussles to finish the VNL home and away season. Hawks Netball edged out North East Blaze by four goals, while only three goals separated Boroondara Express and Ariels by the final whistle. Hawks’ Daisy Hill was unstoppable under the post with 43 goals, while Olivia Ellis and Maddi Wallmeyer combined well in the middle for Blaze. Emmalia Blake was courageous for Ariels, but 32 goals from Chelsea Quinn got Express over the line.
Geelong Cougars will go into finals with back-to-back wins after defeating Peninsula Waves by 19 goals. Ellen Doyle was strong for the first-placed Cougars with 46 goals, while Olivia Taylor’s defensive pressure was on full display on the other end of the court. Lauren Pratt and Ella Rhodes were excellent for the Waves and combined well in the midcourt against a tough opposition.
In other matchups, Melbourne University Lightning ended 2023 with a seven-goal victory against the Southern Saints, while City West Falcons finish in third after defeating Casey Demons by a commanding 21 goals. Lightning’s Alex Booker and Lavinia Fox enjoyed 57 goals between them, while Teal Hocking slotted 31 for the Falcons. Defenders Maddison McKiernan and Charli Nicol were also impressive for the Falcons.
19&UNDER
Geelong Cougars (65) defeated Peninsula Waves (55)
Hawks Netball (38) defeated by North East Blaze (44)
Wilson Storage Southern Saints (34) defeated by Melbourne University Lightning (58)
City West Falcons (47) defeated Casey Demons (45)
Boroondara Express (59) defeated Ariels (46)
Minor premiers Melbourne University Lightning continued their winning streak with a 24-goal win over the Saints. Kate O’Dwyer produced another strong performance in attack, scoring 32 goals at 91% accuracy, while Eliza Burge was hard to get past in defence. Maddie Higgins gave it her all in the middle for the Saints, showcasing her speed and pinpoint passing throughout the 60 minutes.
City West Falcons held off Casey Demons by two goals to record consecutive wins going into finals. It was a fierce battle between Charlotte Sexton and Holly Stephens in the circle, while Falcons’ Sophie Garner had an outstanding match in centre. Lupe Fonua had another impressive four quarters in goal defence and was one of the Demon’s best.
Boroondara Express and Geelong Cougars enjoyed their fourth win of 2023 to finish off the season, defeating Ariels and Peninsula Waves, while North East Blaze made it three in a row with a six-goal victory over Hawks Netball. Blaze’s Charlee Duff-Tytler sunk 14 goals at 93% accuracy and was pleased to get the win before the sides face off again next week during the first week of finals.
“It was really good to get the win,” Duff-Tytler said.
“We have the Hawks up next week as well, so it was really good to see the competition that we’ve got going into the first week of finals.”
Duff-Tytler was also full of praise for her team and their game plan going into the top four showdown.
“I think we all played really well,” she continued.
“We worked out what we all needed to do to get the win, so it was just really good.”
UP NEXT
Semi Finals
Wednesday 26 July
CHAMPIONSHIP
DIVISION 1
19&U
