The three matches UJ played in over the weekend were mentally, physically and emotionally taxing, although the team was well prepared with a positive spirit going into the competition.
UJ Netball Manager and Coach Charlotte Scholtz said that her team’s biggest problem down in Port Elizabeth was adapting to the officials.
“Our major stumbling block was not adapting to the umpires’ calls/interpretations quickly enough,” she said.
UJ lost two out of the three games played over the weekend with the heartbreaker coming from losing to Maties by only one goal in the last minute.
UJ Senior Club Manager Adrian Carter commented: “The Maties loss was gut wrenching, but with our support staff, I have no doubt we will lift ourselves for the remainder of the competition.”
Scholts said that the perseverance her team showed in the opening leg was encouraging looking ahead to the rest of the competition.
“We never stopped playing and for that I am extremely proud of my players as they showed great character,” she said.
Scholtz and her team are hard at work, addressing identified areas in which they can improve and capitalise on in the upcoming match where they’ll be taking on the formidable Kovsies (UFS) team on their home ground in Bloemfontein.
For now it is important for UJ to focus on the remainder of the games and not to underestimate other teams.
All teams are fairly competitive and strong in the competition and UJ will put in their best efforts to comeback and steal the light.
Scholtz added: “The tournament is far from over and I know that they will continue to make me proud.”
