WHEN really challenged, this Sovereigns team can find a way to win.
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This is what ACU Sovereigns 19/under coach Kerry Lightfoot says is her team’s strength.
This is what got her team into finals in the club’s inaugural Victorian Netball League season.
This is the kind of team Lightfoot says you want to coach.
“It’s very tough to win any game in the VNL, but we’ve strung together a consistent season,” she said. “The girls have done themselves proud to reach finals and they’ve made the club proud with what they’ve achieved.
“Individually, they are fantastic players.
“Collectively, they’re a strong, united front.
“They have found ways to win games and always work really hard.”
Sovereigns finished fourth in the 19/under division – with 11 wins and two draws from 18 matches – as a young team, mostly new to VNL competition and intensity.
They had close bouts with top teams Geelong, City West Falcons and Southern Saints.
Importantly, Sovereigns beat the Saints by six goals last week and it is the Saints they will meet in the semi-final at the State Netball Hockey Centre on Wednesday night.
“They are really hard to play and very physical and will step up their game for finals,” Lightfoot said.
“But we know we can beat them and we know we have what it takes to beat the others in finals.”
Saints have a towering shooter – a trademark feature of most VNL teams – but Sovereigns have handy height in defence.
Lightfoot said it would take full court pressure and defensive work to pull the match off.
Sovereigns chalked up one win in both the championship and division one competition this season.
The club has made an exciting and competitive overall introduction to the VNL and there is an excited vibe about the club for what it might achieve with a full off-season ahead.
AT A GLANCE
VICTORIAN NETBALL LEAGUE
WHAT: 19/under semi-final, Southern Saints v Sovereigns
WHERE: State Netball Hockey Centre, showcourt 2
WHEN: Wednesday night, 7pm
SOVEREIGNS: Kat O’Dwyer (captain), Abbey Ryan, Ash Ryan, Sasha McDonald, Bridget Smith, Zoe Davies, Emily Atkinson, Claudia Masek, Emily Ktona, Zoe Ottavi, Bridget Murray. Coach: Kerry Lightfoot.
