Columba College will fly the flag for Otago netball when it competes at the national schools championships in New Plymouth next month.
Columba qualified for the national finals with an impressive top-four finish at the South Island secondary schools championships in Blenheim yesterday.
The Janine Southby-coached side took an unbeaten record into its semifinal, in which it was beaten 35-31 by Rangiora High School.
Columba was then pipped for third with a 38-33 loss to Rangi Ruru in the playoff.
"The girls are feeling pretty gutted today.
We put in a lot of hard work and we're disappointed not to have made the final," Southby said.
"But reaching the top four is a pretty good effort. That's what we were aiming for.
"The South Island event has a lot of really strong teams and you don't really get a minute to relax."
Columba was well served at both ends of the court by defender Zoe Cadzow and shooter Bridget Thayer, the younger sister of Otago defender Louise.
Biddy Skerten also played a key role in the midcourt.
Kavanagh College reached the B grade final with a 27-18 semifinal win over St Kevin's College.
Kavanagh was then beaten by Roncalli in the final, while St Kevin's secured third with a 27-15 win over Papanui.
Roxburgh Area School won the C grade title and The Catlins Area School was third.
