It was an energetic start for both sides as they went tit for tat in the opening exchanges. An enthusiastic Tuks crowd turned up to support the Pretoria ladies; they did not disappoint and looked like a team in form. Both teams were relatively good at capitalising on their centre passes and it was a relatively close opening half as the University of Pretoria led 26-20.
Newbie Chantelle Swart came in, in the third quarter, as she replaced goal attack, Ine-Marie Venter. She and Melissa Kotze seemed to be combining well as crucial intercepts made by Shongile Hlungwane enabled the University of Pretoria to pull further ahead. UP-Tuks displayed the skill that has seen them unbeaten throughout the tournament in the third quarter power play, with a good effort which saw them pull ahead by over 10 points by the end of the quarter.
The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University did, however, remain positive as things were combining well between Nolinsidiso Twani and Bianca Blom in the shooting circle. The final quarter saw Tuks dominate the opposition and used the final power play to their advantage. The expected changes were made as some of the younger players were introduced as the University of Pretoria ran out 64-39 winners and maintained their winning streak in the competition.
FNB Player of the Match: Shadine van der Merwe (Tuks)
Teams:
UP-Tuks: Ine-Marie Venter, Melissa Kotze, Tshina Mdau, Izette Lubbe, Shongile Hlungwane, Shadine van der Merwe (captain), Jasmine Ziegelmeier
NMMU-Madibaz: Arne Rust, Nolinsidiso Twani, Bianca Blom, Hlumisa Sithonga, Melodine Jacobs, Eloise Webb, Sanelise Mgijima, Hadrin Tenteni, Nandipha Jack
By Theriso Lethuloe
