Match Report | SSN Round 2

It was a fiercely physical battle between the two Melbourne sides, with the combination of a strong defence and four super shots from Mwai Kumwenda leading the Vixens to a stunning comeback win.

Q1 | Magpies 18 - 15 Vixens

The Magpies kicked things off with their signature pace, but the Vixens responded with intense defensive pressure. Kate Moloney chased down a loose ball early to bring possession back to the Vixens, with MJ consolidating with a goal to give us an early lead. Kate Eddy and Liv Lewis continued their form from last week, applying great pressure and grabbing an early deflection and two intercepts respectively. After an intense quarter of netball, the Pies took a three-goal lead at the early break.

Q2 | Magpies 33 - 28 Vixens

Jo Weston returned in goal defence after a short absence due to injury, combining with Liv Lewis in goal keeper. She had an immediate impact in the circle, fighting an intensely physical battle and creating chaos in the Magpies' feeds. Liz Watson was a beast around the circle edge, supplying 22 of the 40 feeds. MJ and Kiera Austin stayed cool and composed under the post, their sharp shooting shifting the momentum to favour the Vixens midway through the quarter. A late super shot from Sophie Garbin saw the Pies extend their lead by two goals.

Q3 | Magpies 47 - 41 Vixens

There were a few positional changes for the Vixens after the long break, with Hannah Mundy coming into the WA role, Moloney moving to wing defence and Emily Mannix coming back on as goal keeper. Mundy’s impact was profound, racking up seven feeds and one intercept in her first five minutes on court, ending the game with 16 goal assists to her name. The teams traded goals for much of the third quarter, but defensive pressure was high, with a string of deflections and intercepts from both sides. The Magpies capitalised on their chances to lead by six goals with one quarter to play.

Q4 | Magpies 61 - 62 Vixens

Moloney continued to provide a steady presence in the midcourt, while MJ and Kip looked to reduce the deficit with consistent, accurate shooting. The Vixens' defence was outstanding throughout the fast-paced match, often creating chaos for the Magpies at the circle edge. The momentum quickly shifted after two super shots from MJ saw the Vixens reduce the gap to just three goals. A held ball saw the Vixens claim a crucial turnover, from which MJ scored her third super shot.

Keeping the pressure high, the Vixens were one goal down with thirty seconds to go. It was down to MJ to sink her fourth and final super shot for the game, cementing a remarkable win for the Vixens right on the buzzer.

Next Up

We’re back at John Cain Arena for our first home game of the season, going up against the GIANTS in a preliminary final rematch next Sunday 2 April.

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