Last week, NWU edged out Tuks in a nail-biting one-point thriller, but this week’s Varsity Netball action delivered the match of the season as Maties staged an impressive comeback to hand defending champions UP-Tuks their second consecutive defeat in the 2024 tournament.
Meanwhile, log leaders UJ secured a solid victory over NWU, UFS Kovsies triumphed against Madibaz, and Wits earned their first win against TUT.
Maties 55 – 48 UP-Tuks
Maties fought back to defeat UP-Tuks in a fiercely contested match at Rembrandt Hall, where the defending champions were eager to rebound from their recent loss.
The Maroon Machine struck first, capitalizing on a crucial turnover by Syntiche Kabuya. However, Tuks quickly regained control, thanks to key blocks from Phophi Nematangari and accurate shooting from Tinita van Dyk, ending the first quarter with a narrow 14-11 lead.
In the second quarter, Michelle van der Merwe stepped up, helping Maties close the gap. Kabuya’s vital turnovers frustrated Tuks, who managed to maintain a slim 25-23 advantage at halftime.
READ MORE: UJ thump NWU in Varsity Netball round 5
The intensity ramped up in the second half, with Maties pushing hard. Tuks introduced Alice Kennon, who helped regain momentum, ending the third quarter ahead 39-36.
The final quarter featured Power Plays, and Maties seized the opportunity, transforming a three-point deficit into a seven-point lead. Tuks failed to score during both Power Play periods, allowing Maties to capitalize on their defensive strength, led by the standout performance of Miriam Ndjadi, named Player of the Match.
Maties triumphed with a final score of 55-48.
Quarter Scores: 11-14 | 23-25 | 36-39 | 55-48
FNB Player of the Match: Miriam Ndjadi (Maties)
Maties Lineup: Adriana Carstens, Bianca Odendaal, Chrisley Marshall, Danielle van Nieuwenhuizen, Lize Rossouw, Marné Abrahamse, Michelle van der Merwe, Miriam Ndjadi, Renezia Andrews, Shanidine Bezuidenhout, Syntiche Kabuya, Lisa Ingwersen.
UP-Tuks Lineup: Alice Kennon, Caroline Paul, Jamie Williamson, Kamogelo Maseko, Kylie van Wyk, Luca Keun, Marichelle Visagie, Melissa van Zyl, Milla Coetzee, Phophi Nematangari, Tinita van Dyk, Kyla Dames.
