Otago beat Canterbury 60-59 in the thrilling final last year to claim the title and its 23-goal win yesterday was a clear sign the team is on track for a repeat performance.
In the late game on Tuesday night, the defending champion also had a good victory against Auckland Waitakere, winning 63-55.
Otago played Western in the late game last night. Before that match, Otago coach Lauren Piebenga told the Otago Daily Times she was very pleased with the form her side had shown at the tournament.
"We were clinical in our performance against Canterbury, particularly in the first half," Piebenga said.
Otago led 43-20 and, with such a healthy buffer, Piebenga had the luxury of resting some of her key players.
"Zoe Walker was exceptional on defence. She turned over plenty of ball but we were just clinical from one end to the other. We really hit our straps.
"Te Paea Selby-Rickit really stood up and Olivia Bates delivered excellent ball, so no complaints."
Otago's likely semifinal opponent shapes as Canterbury, with Waikato and Auckland-Waitakere potentially meeting in the other semifinal today.
Otago under-19 had a comprehensive 51-29 win against Waitakere yesterday morning and returned in the afternoon to beat South Canterbury 42-31.
