West Coast Warriors landed their victory with a 79-48 win against East Freo Sharks, in the semi-finals of Gold Industry Group West Australian Netball League, on Friday night.
Off to a head start, Warriors weren’t shy of the goal posts as they sat on 23-12 by the end of the first quarter.
Warriors Coach Lorraine Ward said she was very impressed with how well her team started the match.
“I though their first quarter was amazing, which set us up for the game. I couldn’t have been prouder of them. They did a great job,” she said.
Goalkeeper Stephanie Cooper proved to be a huge asset during the game as she blocked numerous goals attempted by the Sharks with her quick intercepts.
East Freo Sharks’ midcourter Ella Sigley challenged the Warriors as she used her agility to intercept the ball numerous times for a number of gains.
Meanwhile in the goal circle, goal shooter Donelle Wallam effortlessly striked again as she secured 62 of the team’s 79 goals.
Wallam worked collaboratively with goal attack Hana Stokes, as she enforced her strong lob throws and precise aim to assist in scoring 14 goals throughout the game.
Warriors Captain Helen Taylor said all team members worked hard as a collective to play their part in the game today.
“Everyone on the court played their role today. We all just clicked and had some fun so I’m super proud of the girls,” she said.
“Our unity separates us from the other teams.”
With the grand final around the corner, Ward said there was pressure for the team to win tonight.
“We felt pressure we are expected to win, so we had to set our own internal challenges, which we did, and we achieved those as well. There is always pressure on everyone at finals, we so we have to work through it,” she said.
Ward said the team will be very strategic in their planning in preparation for the grand finals.
“We have work to do during the week. I think it will be a tough contest between Comets and Sharks, so we’ll watch that and plan our weeks training going into grand finals,” she said.
Round Results
- 20U: East Freo Sharks defeated Southside Demons, 58-55.
- 20U Western Roar defeated Rangers, 50-39.
- Men: Curtin Hamersley Comets defeated Southside Demons, 45-44.
- Men: West Coast Warriors defeated Western Roar, 44-42.
