Defending champions UFS-Kovsies were made to grind out a hard fought 53-38 bonus point win over NMMU-Madibaz as they look to retain their title.
The first quarter started at a furious pace with both sides exchanging goals as both sets of forwards found the bottom if the net at will. The Madibaz managed to head into the first break holding a slender 14-12 lead.
There was no let-up at the start of the second quarter as Kovsies managed to first draw level before taking the lead thanks to a dominant performance during the powerplay.
Both sides kept the scoreboard ticking as the home side went into the halftime interval with a 28-22 lead.
The Madibaz came out full of energy at the start of the third quarter as they tried to reduce the home side’s lead but Kovsies showed their temperament as they extended their lead to 40-31 as the final quarter approached.
The final quarter was but a shadow of the previous quarters as the high intensity of the match started taking its toll on the ladies which led to numerous chances going abegging for both sides.
Kovsies managed to maintain their lead and did enough to secure a bonus point in the closing stages of the match to walk away 53-38 victors.
FNB Player of the Match: Bavuyise Matyumza
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).
NMMU Madibaz: Kara Willemse (GS/GA), Ansu Opperman (GS), Mione Marais (WA/GA), Bavuyise Matyumza (GA/GS), Arne Rust (WA/C), Nandipha Jack (C/WA), Luzanne Visagie (WA), Hlumisa Sithonga (WD/GD), Nobubele Phuza (GD/WD), Zanele Vimbela (GK), Danielle Hofstetter (GK), Sinongiwe Madangatye (WD)
