The side showed grit and resilience, pushing through against some very talented First Nations Teams from every State and Territory.
In a highlight for the State, Jamaica Jauncey was awarded Goal Shooter of the tournament during the closing ceremony.
WA kicked off the tournament against the reigning premiers, Queensland, and held their own. WA won the first quarter, but it was a more dominant second and third quarter from QLD that got them over the line. Later that day in Round Two, it was a seven- goal loss to the Australian Capital Territory.
On Thursday, WA found their first win against Netball Lutruwita (Tasmania) by nine goals. Jamaica Jauncey shot a consistent 30 goals, joined by Macy Jauncey (nine) and Courtney White (five). After a close first three quarters, it was in the final term that WA stood up to dominate, doubling Lutruwita’s score for the quarter. They finished the day with a nail biting three-goal loss to Victoria.
Friday saw WA face NSW Waradas, who would go on to claim gold for the competition. In defence, Kahleeya Woodley, Shania Ring and Zaharah Alhabsji had to be switched on against the NSW shooting end. WA went down by 16 goals, after three quarters of high volume from the Waradas.
Saturday started off with an absolute blitz by WA, defeating the Northern Territory by 30 goals in their second and final win of the tournament. Macy Jauncey shot her best for the tournament, on an equal 20 goals with Jamaica. Tierrah Miller and Nakeiyah Pitt continued their mid-court partnership to much success. WA led from the beginning, but it was a 16-goal lead in the final quarter that locked in such a big win.
To finish the pool stage, WA went up against Yakanarna (South Australia). WA were strong, but a final quarter push from Yakanarna put them ahead by eight goals.
On finals day, WA were in the 5 v 6 playoff against Yakanarna. Miller was credited as a crucial cog in the mid-court. A 10-3 opening quarter by South Australia ultimately set them up for a 36-23 win.
WA finished the tournament in sixth place, after a tournament of grit, resilience and hard work. The side didn’t give up, even against hard competition and put a spotlight on the First Nations talent WA has to offer.
Find the full results here.
