In what was a must-win encounter, UP Tuks kept their title defence hopes alive when they came from behind to beat UJ in round 7 of the 2024 Varsity Netball tournament at the Callie Human Hall in Bloemfontein. They will now take on UFS Kovsies, who finished top of the log, in the second semi-final on Monday 23 September. The first semi-final will be contested between UJ and NWU who beat Maties to make it into the top four. Both semi-finals will take place in Bloemfontein.
UP TUKS 56 – 48 UJ
UP Tuks showed why they are the defending champions and came up with the goods when it mattered most by beating UJ to remain in contention for retaining their crown. It was UJ’s first defeat in this year’s tournament.
Tuks ignited the scoreboard in what was expected to be an explosive match. UJ responded by reminding their opponents why they were on top of the log. Tuks found motivation from their supporters who erupted with every positive move, matching the Orange Army’s faithful support team. The first quarter was fiercely contested with UJ narrowly leading by 12-11.
The next 15 minutes displayed brilliant defence from both sides, keeping the respective goal-shooters under pressure. UJ changed to attacking with shorter passes to retain possession of the ball. Tuks used the Power Play to close the gap and even edged ahead but UJ equalised just before half-time for the scoreboard to read 24-24.
Tuks started the second half of the game scoring a goal with the ball temporarily balancing on the rim. If ever there was a symbol of the knife-edge balancing act of this match, this was it. Neither of the teams gave each other an inch and each goal scored was answered by the opposing team. The nerve-wracking quarter ended with Tuks overtaking UJ to lead by 39-35.
The defending champions broke the tension in the last quarter by stretching their lead goal by goal. The Orange Army’s supporters asked their team to oblige and initially, they did.
Tuks however stayed calm, found the net more regularly and pulled of a sensational 56-48 win to keep their title hopes alive.
Quarter Scores: 11-12 | 24-24 | 39-35 | 56-48
FNB Player of the match: Marichelle Visagie (UP Tuks)
UP Tuks: Alice Kennon, Caroline Paul, Kamogelo Maseko, Kylie van Wyk, Luca Keun, Marichelle Visagie, Melissa van Zyl, Milla Coetzee, Phophi Nematangari, Tinita van Dyk, Kyla Dames, Nonkcubeko Mjaliswa.
UJ: Alexandra Meimaris, Aphiwe Thusini, Boitumelo Mehloko, Cornelia Mupenda, Gugulethu Mdladla, Juanike Steinmann, Jade Niemand, Muhluri Hlatshwayo, Sanelisiwe Ntobela, Tarle Mathe, Luyanda Msomi, Yanke Broodryk.
NWU 54 – 38 MATIES
It was an all-or-nothing affair between NWU and Maties, with the winner making sure they would progress to next week’s semi-finals. The Eagles managed to keep their composure and secured a vital victory.
Maties were first on the scoreboard, but NWU defended well and matched their opponents goal for goal. After the tenth minute, NWU broke by upping their defence even more and consequently, led 13-9 at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Maroon Machine continued to battle their way through a staunch NWU defence. Frustration started to mount after the Eagles responded with a string of goals to expand their lead to 21-16 when the half-time whistle blew.
The difference was the all-important third quarter when NWU took full advantage of the Power Play and scored eight goals. The Maroon Machine simply had no answers with most of their efforts proving fruitless. The Eagles attacked the scoreboard with renewed vigour and ended the quarter on 41-24.
The last 15 minutes also started with a Power Play. Maties were reluctant to lose the ball but also continued the struggle to break through the Eagles’ defence in the goal circle. The goal-shooting reflected the composure of each team as Maties’ broken spirit resulted in missed opportunities while the Eagles’ efforts were successful in handing them a 54-38 victory.
Quarter Scores: 13-9 | 21-16 | 41-24 | 54-38
FNB Player of the match: Sanmarie Visser (NWU)
NWU: Casey Davids, Jade Egwatu, Nadine Hefer, Martiné Jordaan, Jomari Lübbe, Kegaugetswe Mashilo, Amori Matthee, Tlotlang Mokomela, Nicola Oosthuizen, Sunel Smit, Sanmarie Visser, Johanne Meyer.
Maties: Adriana Carstens, Bianca Odendaal, Chrisley Marshall, Danielle van Nieuwenhuizen, Lize Rossouw, Michelle van der Merwe, Miriam Ndjadi, Renezia Andrews, Shanidine Bezuidenhout, Syntiche Kabuya, Lisa Ingwersen, Thabisa Yekani.
KOVSIES 112 – 9 TUT
Four-time champions UFS Kovsies entered the match brimming with confidence, knowing that they had secured a home semi-final. It showed in the end result of their drubbing of TUT.
The well-oiled Kovsies machine played at their own pace while at the same time making goals rain through the hoop. Goal-shooter and player of the match Rolene Streutker sunk goals from all positions inside the circle, ensuring her team had a 29-2 lead after the first 15 minutes.
With Kovsies mascot Felix dancing and bowing after each goal, it soon became apparent that he would have a pretty active workout. During the Power Play in the second quarter, the home team collected 10 points to the two of TUT. The half-time score was a massive 60-10.
Kovsies continued their near-flawless performance in the third quarter. TUT did manage to defend well on the odd occasion but the odds were clearly stacked against the Pretoria team. With a score of 84-15 at the end of the penultimate period of play, the 100 mark was within reach for Kovsies.
The home crowd stepped up their deafening cheers in the last 15 minutes and it spurred Kovsies on even further. The umpires’ whistles were inaudible through the crowd noise and vuvuzela chimes. The last Power Play pushed the Free State team over that 100-goal mark
and the former champions sealed an emphatic 112-9 victory over TUT.
Quarter Scores: 29-2 | 60-10 | 84-15 | 112-9 (10 goals deducted from TUT for failing to include a minimum of two players from the designated transformation group)
FNB Player of the match: Rolene Streutker (UFS Kovsies)
UFS Kovsies: Liamé De Lange, Demi-Leigh de Jager, Megan Erasmus, Xandri Fourie, Elri Groenewald, Reratilwe Ke-Morena Letsoalo, Mienke Delport, Refiloe Nketsa, Nontobeko Mohuli, Rolene Streutker, Charné van Vuuren, Karla Victor.
TUT: Gomolemo Mashiane, Katleho Motaung, Modjadji Mokgehle, Naledi Makoa, Philile Bokwe, Keamogetswe Ngobeni, Oageng Motileng, Mosima Mamabolo, Desiree Mohlala, Thembalethu Buthelezi, Yolanda Makhubela, Whitney Tjie.
WITS 62 – 50 MADIBAZ
Wits left their best for last as the surprise package of this year’s tournament came from behind to beat Madibaz and record their second win.
It was toe-to-toe in the opening quarter of the match as the two teams matched each other equally. Madibaz captain Mothira Mohammad created scoring opportunities where there seemed not to be any. The team from the Eastern Cape outscored their opponents in the Power Play and went into the break 16-11 in the lead.
Wits showed better confidence coming into the second quarter and scored first. Madibaz responded and retained their lead going into half-time together with a five-goal buffer, 31-26.
A fiercely contested third quarter saw brilliant goals being scored at a steady pace. Wits surpassed Madibaz and took the lead for the first time in the match, with the scoreboard reading 45-40.
With a mere five goals separating the two teams in the final quarter, Wits threw it all in and extended their lead with the largest margin up to that point. Madibaz then made some changes and started to fight back. Their opponents however read the new strategy and countered exceptionally well.
In the home stretch, both teams upped their game, but it is Wits who walked away with a deserved 62-50 victory.
Quarter Scores: 16-11 | 26-31 | 45-40 | 62-50
FNB Player of the match: Panashe Chiranga (Wits)
Wits: Alix Horn, Amy Horn, Elmarie Vusieka, Esther Botha, Giada Prinsloo, Liani Gilmour, Oratile Mokone, Panashe Chiranga, Philasandre Ntuli, Shani Mokken, Thandiwe Mokiti, Zanele Soviya.
Madibaz: Angel Mlambo, Anke Britz, Edon Snyman, Erin Hartland, Hanniska van Vuuren, Inganathi Sapepa, Kaylin Coetzer, Kelly du Toit, Mothira Mohammad, Siyamthanda Dingiswayo, Tashlyn van Schoor, Jeannique Rossouw.
Semi-final fixtures on 30 September HERE.
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