Defending Varsity Netball champions Kovsies held on for a tough 51-45 semifinal victory over NWU-Pukke.
The Bloemfontein side had built up a comfortable lead, and despite a strong finish from their rivals they closed the game out to go through to their second consecutive final.
The opening exchanges were fierce, with neither side willing to give an inch early on, and it took three minutes before NWU-Pukke drew first blood through the reliable Chante Steyn.
The vocal home side got right behind their team who made the most of their attacking opportunities to open up a healthy early lead.
NWU-Pukke found their feet and managed to get back within a goal of their hosts, but Kovsies would take a deserved 10-6 lead into the first break.
Kovsies were clinical in their execution, with the likes of Danelle Willemse and Ane Botha impressing with their accuracy.
They made the most of the first powerplay, and by the half-time break they had built up a 27-14 advantage over the visitors.
NWU-Pukke were right up against it at the start of the second half, and came out firing with captain Nadia Uys leading the way as they looked to work themselves back into the match.
The Potchefstroom side used their powerplay, but it backfired on them a bit as Denielle van der Merwe made them pay and restored a healthy 13-goal advantage.
The defending champions were in complete control and went into the final break with a healthy 43-31 lead, leaving NWU-Pukke hoping for a miracle in the final quarter.
NWU-Pukke threw absolutely everything at the home side in the final stages of the match as they desperately tried to haul them in, but it was not to be as Kovsies held on for victory.
FNB Player of the match: Danelle Willemse
NWU Pukke: Chante Steyn (GS), Bhongo Ngubeni (GA), Nadia Uys (WA), Zante Campher (C), Lentsa Motau (WD), Zandre Kruger (GD), Kifiloe Tsotetsi (GK), Izanna Muller, Maronel Scherman, Marna Claassens, Chante Bester, Rozelle Vorster.
UFS Kovsies: Danelle Willemse (GS), Rieze Straeuli (GA), Denielle van der Merwe (GS), Zi-mari Smit (GA), Ane Botha (WA), Monique Lemon (C), Lauren-Lee Christians (WD), Sheri Duimpies (C), Karla Mostert (GD), Tanya Mostert (GK), Maryke Coetzee (GK), Alicia Puren (GD).
