NETBALL

VNL

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

 

IN one of their few remaining weekend showcases, the Gippsland Stars got on the winner’s list for the first time this season.

After many close performances to begin the year, the Stars Championship side got some reward for effort with a victory over North East Blaze, 55 to 51 at Mullum Mullum Stadium, Donvale.

The Stars clearly arrived on Sunday (April 19) with expectation of a strong performance, as they opened out of the gate zinging the ball down the court and outscoring their opponent, 21-7 to begin proceedings.

While the Blaze finally answered the call in the second quarter, the Gippsland side kept up their pace and led by 14 goals at halftime.

Returning from the main break, it was clear the Blaze were not happy with their opening half, and responded accordingly by cutting the deficit to single figures during the course of the third term.

That included scoring eight of the final 11 goals of the quarter.

Concerns were sky high for the Stars bench, as the Blaze continued with their momentum to bring the margin to three goals after beginning the final term with seven goals unanswered.

Stacie Gardiner finally broke the Blaze’s tide, and Stars’ shooter Sam Silvester began to get herself back into the game and give their side some relief.

Pivotally scoring down the stretch, the Stars did enough to hold on to their first win of the season, getting the victory over three-time Moe A Grade premiership player Georgia Moody, who scored five goals on the game.

Stars midcourt player Keighley Starrett was justifiably awarded player of the match, while Silvester poured in a game-high 39 goals.

 

AS for the 23-and-under Stars, they fell by close to 30 goals just prior to the Championship win.

Also against North East Blaze, the Stars began closely before being dealt with in the latter three quarters.

Lara Noblett and Anna Mooney provided a scoring punch for the Stars with 18 and 10 goals respectively, while the Blaze’s Olivia Cawthray tallied a monster 53.

Mia Williams and Anna Solomon were acknowledged as players of the match for gutting it out defensively for the Stars.

The Gippsland Stars VNL Reserves team suffered their third straight loss on Sunday as well.

Succumbing to North East Blaze, 45-36 at midday Sunday, they now move to seventh position on the ladder.

Mackenna Whiteside was the player of the match.