By Maties Sport Media and Communication Unit
Maties made it three wins out of three after defeating the University of Pretoria (Tuks) 57-55 in round three of Varsity Netball 2022 at Rembrandt Hall in Pretoria.
The result sees the Maroon Machine extend their 100% start to the competition and leaves them second on the log, behind only North West University on points difference.
“It was a really tough one and we didn’t expect anything less. It was a game we knew would go right down to the wire. The character of a great team is a team that can win the games that they are not supposed to,” said Zanele Mdodana, Head Coach of Maties Netball.
As it happened
As was the case in their previous games, Maties got off to a strong start: building up a 16-11 lead at the end of the first quarter thanks to some precise shooting from captain Sian Moore.
The home favourites found their game in the second quarter with Tuks’ Alice Kennon keeping her cool in the goal circle, as the Pretoria outfit closed the gap to 29-27 at halftime.
Tuks soon turned the game on its head as a strong third quarter saw them turn the two-goal deficit into a three-goal lead heading into the final 15 minutes.
Maties dug deep in the final quarter and took their chances when it mattered most to seal a 57-55 victory.
Stats breakdown
Quarter scores
First quarter: Maties 16-11 Tuks
Second quarter: Maties 29-27 Tuks
Third quarter: Maties 41-44 Tuks
Final score: Maties 57-55 Tuks
Goal Percentage
Maties 88%, Tuks 80%
Intercepts
Tuks 10, Maties 8
Penalties
Maties 61, Tuks 35