Round 7 SN Reserves match report | Vixens Academy vs Melbourne Mavericks reserves

Vixens Academy led for most of the match, but lost their rhythm in attack playing catch-up netball in the final quarter, to ultimately go down 51 to 61.

Q1 | Vixens Academy 18 – 15 Melbourne Mavericks Reserves

To begin the final regular game of the season, Vixens Academy reintroduced Melbourne Vixens’ newest debutante Mia Lavis back into their starting lineup at goal attack. Melbourne Mavericks Reserves meanwhile pulled out all the stops, bringing SSN-contracted athlete Reilley Batcheldor into their lineup for the first time this season, creating a formidable lineup alongside her SSN teammates Sacha McDonald (WA) and Charlotte Sexton (GK).

It was a fantastic start for Vixens Academy who quickly established a lead via the first phase work of Zali Anderson, full court short and sharp ball movement, and strength of Bella Hodgson under the post. When Mavericks struggled to move the ball in attack, Maggie Caris and Ruby Pekin-Schlicht capitalised, picking up valuable gains to push out the lead.

Up by 4 going into the power five, Vixens mixed up their game with longer feeds into Hodgson and a Mia Lavis super shot. A pickup gave Mavericks one more opportunity, which goal shooter Ashlea Mawer converted into a super shot in the final seconds.

Q2 | Vixens Academy 31 – 26 Melbourne Mavericks Reserves

Vixens Academy made no changes to start the quarter, while Mavericks swapped Batcheldor for Teal Hocking in goal attack, and McDonald for Eryn Stocker at wing attack. Stocker offered instant impact with her dynamic play alongside the midcourt defensive work of centre Ruby Shannon, who soon brought the Mavericks back within 1, before a seesawing low-scoring period for both sides. When Vixens Academy struggled to convert gains, Sahara Ball was injected at goal shooter. Physical defence on Mawer helped Vixens push out the margin to a 5-point lead before the power five, which was immediately extended through a super shot to Lavis. Georgie O’Brien came on at wing defence (her second appearance for Vixens Academy this season), working to deliver the ball to Lavis, who slotted another super shot to create a 10-point margin. Mavericks responded, bringing Jessica Tetley at goal attack, who scored a super shot of her own, followed by one to Mawer. Mia Aitken came up at wing defence to further pressure Vixens Academy who scored a final goal via Ball just before the siren.

Q3 | Vixens Academy 42 – 41 Melbourne Mavericks Reserves

Recognising Vixens Academy’s loss of momentum in recent third quarters, head coach Wendy Jacobsen made proactive midcourt changes for the second half, bringing Ruby Turner on at wing defence, moving Anderson to centre, and Ally O’Connor to wing attack. Melbourne Mavericks Reserves meanwhile introduced Indya Forde at goal keeper.

It was goal for goal to start the period, with Forde proving effective in defence, and Mavericks’ attack finding form. Hodgson returned at shooter for Vixens Academy, followed by Gabby Dwyer on at goal keeper, and Taylah Brown back to wing defence. O’Connor showed her attacking prowess with crafty feeds into Lavis, pushing the margin back out to 6. Georgia Moody entered the game at wing attack for Vixens Academy during the power five, followed by Mackenzie O’Dwyer on at wing defence for Mavericks Reserves. No super shots were scored, but Mavericks kept their composure to finish the period with a 4-goal run to draw the margin back to 1.

Q4 | Vixens Academy 51 – 61 Melbourne Mavericks Reserves

Vixens Academy returned to their starting lineup to begin the fourth quarter while Mavericks Reserves made no changes.

The relatively fresh legs of O’Dwyer worked well in bringing the ball down court, helping Mavericks Reserves draw equal then take the lead for the first time since the game’s opening centre pass. Turner was reintroduced at goal defence for Vixens Academy and quickly gained ball alongside Caris, who applied pressure on Mawer to keep her out of the circle. Down by 3 heading into the power five, Vixens brought Ball back on to super shot out the game. The shots didn’t fall, with both Ball and Lavis missing attempts, while Mavericks converted their own centre passes and gains through Forde and Charli Hoey. Down by 10, Lavis sank her second super shot attempt, but there wasn’t enough time to meaningfully impact the scoreboard. Mawer scored a final goal to close out a 20-9 quarter for the Melbourne Mavericks Reserves and ultimately win the game by 10. The loss sees Vixens Academy finish the SN Reserves regular season in 5th place on the ladder.

THE COACH & CAPTAIN SAY

Vixens Academy head coach Wendy Jacobsen was disappointed with their fourth-quarter performance in this game, especially after a dominant first half on SSN-contracted talent including Australian Diamonds camp invitee Charlotte Sexton.

“I think that in the first half we actually performed better than in the second half… so I think that is a real credit to the girls being able to execute what we needed,” Jacobsen said.

Asked what lost them the game, Jacobsen said her side got stuck in chase mode. “We then really had to rely on 2-point shots, and unfortunately, they didn’t sink today.”

Captain Ally O’Connor concurred, saying, “We want to bring that fierce and fearless type of netball and obviously in that fourth quarter we didn’t play that brand…I think when we do have that lead, maybe we are afraid we’re going to lose it, so we play a little bit conservatively…

“In saying that, we’re keeping our heads high – we’re very proud of what we’ve put out the last seven rounds – and we go into finals knowing that we are capable.”

Jacobsen was proud of O’Connor’s performance today playing across centre and wing attack. “She’s a really consistent performer… She is our leader, she’s our captain, and she gives everything she can out there both physically and verbally,” she said. “I think this whole group has grown a long way since last year.”

NEXT UP

All SN Reserves teams head to Sydney’s Netball Central to compete in a finals weekend from Friday 12 June – Sunday 14 June.

Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and ACT will also compete in the finals weekend, following a play-in tournament on Tuesday 9 June – Thursday 11 June to determine their seedings.

Find out more and purchase tickets to SN Reserves finals here.

Stream all Super Netball Reserves games via Kommunity TV/Code Sports and keep up to date with scores via Play HQ.