College A proved why it is a potential finals contender in the Dunedin premier competition after beating College Red 70-37 on Saturday.
The A team pushed out to a 10-goal lead by the end of the first quarter and kept building.
Creating a big gap allowed it to bring on new players and trial different combinations throughout the game.
Talei Pelasio, Kiana Pelasio and Ivy McLean all had a go in the shooting circle and shot at a combined 82%.
The first few goals were scored relatively evenly, before an intercept by College A goal keep Alexis McClennan allowed her team to nudge ahead.
From there, she and goal defence Camryn Potangaroa made things tough for the Red team’s attackers.
They confused the space in the shooting circle and picked up rebounds and intercepts which were converted down the other end of the court.
After the first break, the Red team fell into a bit of a lull, allowing the A team to score seven unanswered goals.
The A team was tight defensively when the Red team had a backline throw-in, making it difficult for players to get the ball into their attacking third.
On attack, ball movement was quick and the midcourters connected well with the shooters.
To their credit, the Red team players were able to work their way back into the game and lost the second quarter by only five goals.
Red goal attack Shinae Stanley shot all but one goal during that quarter, often from long-range while under pressure from defenders.
Wing defence Laurel Williams worked hard throughout the game to turn over the ball and picked up a few tips.
Her team found its rhythm in the final spell.
Players had better flow through court and converted more of their own ball.
In other games, St Hilda’s edged ahead of Phys Ed C 45-44, Phys Ed B beat Columba College 56-38, and Phys Ed A beat Southern Magpies 54-43.
Semifinals will be held next week, then finals the week after.
