By Maties Sport Media and Communication Unit
Maties faced up against the University of the Free State (Kovsies) at the University of Pretoria’s Rembrandt Hall in round two of Varsity Netball 2022.
In a repeat of the 2021 Varsity Netball final, Maties edged Kovsies 57-53 in a very close encounter, sealing victory over the defending champions in the dying minutes of the game. The result sees the Maroon Machine continue their 100% start to the campaign and leaves them tied at the top of the Varsity Netball log.
As it happened
Maties set the tone early on, displaying a high level of pace and execution to take a 15-9 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Maroon Machine stretched their lead to seven points in the second quarter, with Kovsies failing to convert their chances.
Kovsies fought back after the halftime break as they briefly levelled the scores, before Maties regained their lead at the end of the third quarter, taking a 39-35 lead into the final 15 minutes.
In the final quarter, Kovsies used their power play to great effect as they closed the gap to just one point with four minutes to go, however, the Maroon Machine managed to snatch victory in the dying minutes, sealing a 57-53 win over their Free State rivals.
Stats breakdown
Quarter scores
First quarter: Maties 15-9 Kovsies
Second quarter: Maties 28-21 Kovsies
Third quarter: Maties 39-35 Kovsies
Final score: Maties 57-53 Kovsies
Goal Percentage
Maties 80%, Kovsies 75%
Intercepts
Kosvies 7, Maties 4
Penalties
Kovsies 61, Maties 56