Wolff, Percy set up accurate goalers in 32-goal victory over Peninsula
THE Southern Saints won their seventh straight Victorian Netball League game on Wednesday, downing the Waves in their elimination final.
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THE Southern Saints are just a win away from playing in the Victorian Netball League grand final.
The Saints bolted out to an early lead in their elimination final against the Peninsula Waves on Wednesday night and cruised to a 62-30 victory.
They’ll meet Boroondara Genesis in the preliminary final. Boroondara was defeated by the unbeaten City West Falcons 58-42 in the major semi-final.
Shooting for their seventh straight win, the Saints led the Waves 16-10 at quarter-time and all but put the game away with an 18-7 second quarter which had then up by 17 goals at the main break.
“The whole team played really well,’’ said Saints coach Jane Searle. “We have been playing well but I did not expect a game like this in a final. We had winners all over the court and our defence was able to stop them.’’
The Saints had 70 shots on goal compared to Peninsula’s 42. Goal shooter Elizabeth Nicol had another outstanding game, converting 40-of-44. Rahni Samason was 17-of 21 and Teagan Collins a perfect five-for-five in her return from injury.
“Our delivery to the goalers, from Sarah (Wolff) and Leah (Percy), was exceptional. Elizabeth sets a great target for us,’’ Searle said.
Searle was able to look in on the Boroondara — City West game which was played at the same time on an adjacent court and says she likes her side’s chances.
“We are confident in what we are doing. But they do have a very experienced finals team and it will be a very tough game. We are evenly matched,’’ Searle said.
The preliminary final will be played at 8.20pm on Wednesday at the state Netball and Hockey Centre with the grand final the following Wednesday night.
Saints 16 18 14 14 — 62
Waves 10 7 7 6 — 30
In Division 1 the Saints were defeated by ladder leader City West Falcons 52-43 in the major semi-final.
They’ll meet Geelong in the preliminary final. Geelong ousted Boroondara Genesis 49-46 in the elimination final.
The Saints trailed by four goals at half time and were outscored 14-10 in the third quarter.
The Falcons shot 92 per cent compared to the Saints 77 per cent.
Georginia Cuthbertson was 18-of-19.
In the 19 and under finals the Saints were edged by Geelong 44-37 and were eliminated from post-season play.
The Saints trailed by just a goal at half time.
They shot at a 67 per cent clip on the night compared to Geelong’s 78 per cent.