The Melbourne Vixens have claimed their fifth win in a row, defeating the Adelaide Thunderbirds in Round 11 of Suncorp Super Netball, 73-48.
A huge 21-9 first quarter set the Vixens up for the 25 goal win.
Vixens coach Simone McKinnis said she was happy with the consistency across the four quarters from today’s match.
“I thought we worked really hard and kept scoring and that’s what we really wanted to do, just build that four quarter effort.
“I just loved the way that we pounced on anything, it was like we were attacking anything that was loose, and that was a really good indicator of the intensity that they’ve brought to the game.”
Goaler Sammy Gooden took the court late in the third quarter for her second match of the season.
Her first game in front of a home Melbourne crowd, McKinnis said it was a good experience for the young player.
“It led into the third-quarter break, so it was just giving her a little touch of it before the break, and I think she pushed on well from there,” McKinnis said.
“She’s got some great ball skills and feeds into the circle.”
Kadie-Ann Dehaney impressed in her best game of the season, finishing with six gains, five intercepts and four deflections.
“I thought she did really well. When they made the adjustment in the goal shooting position it took her a little while to adjust to it, but by the end she got a couple of really good intercepts.
“I thought she worked really well and she’s been fantastic.”
The match also saw a debutant, with Vixens Training Partner, Jacqui Newton taking the court for her Vixens debut.
The win and additional four bonus points sees the Vixens move to second spot on the Super Netball ladder, just one point ahead of next week’s rival, the GIANTS.
Claiming their fifth straight victory and eighth for the season, McKinnis said the team is building nicely heading into finals.
“Since the bye we’ve been building each week,” McKinnis said.
“Whether it be a one goal win last week or the game today, I think that we are just really building the confidence and belief really does come from that.”
Wing Attack Liz Watson notched up her fourth Nissan MVP for the season, finishing the game with 31 goal assists and 44 feeds.
The Melbourne Vixens return to Hisense Arena next Sunday as they host GIANTS Netball in Round 12 of Suncorp Super Netball. Get your tickets now.
Match Report with thanks to the Melbourne Vixens
