PORT Stephens representative netball coach Felicity Pacevski knew she had a special group of young athletes when she took over the reins of the under-14 squad.
The experienced mentor realised her charges were capable of bigger things after the team produced encouraging results at various representative carnivals in the Hunter region.
An ecstatic Felicity beamed with pride when the Port Stephens under-14s earned the coveted blue patch as Division Four runners up at the recent State Junior Netball titles at Narellan Sports Hub.
The team’s relentless defence, composure under pressure and belief in one another made for an incredible campaign.
Brunswick-Byron claimed the State title after finishing top-of-the-the-table on 33 points – edging out Port Stephens and Casino on 32 points with Blayney fourth (31) in one of the most hotly contested divisions at the prestigious three-day event.
Port Stephens secured second spot, winning 16 of their 19 fixtures and losing only three.
Coach Pacevski told News Of The Area that the team demonstrated incredible grit, determination and resilience throughout the entire representative season.
“They wore the Port Stephens colours with pride, displayed outstanding sportsmanship and gave 100 per cent every time they stepped onto the court,” she said.
“Watching their growth, commitment and unwavering support for one another has been inspiring. It has been an absolute privilege to coach such a dedicated and respectful group.
“I couldn’t be prouder of everything they have achieved, not only as netballers but as wonderful young women” she added.
Felicity was supported by assistant coach Katie Thornton and manager Raelene Fogarty.
Port Stephens won five of their seven opening day clashes – posting victories over Muswellbrook (19-15), Narrabri (25-16), Wollondilly (24-16), Forbes (21-12) and Griffith (24-11) and narrow losses to Cowra (15-14) and Blayney (13-11).
The team remained unbeaten on day two after toppling Temora (21-8), Armidale (23-5), Sapphire Coast (19-10), Gunnedah (29-4), Grafton (16-9) and Goulburn (28-5) and extended the streak on the final day with wins over Woolgoolga (32-6), Leeton (25-9), Quirindi (24-19) and Coolamon Comets (34-11).
A highlight was the 23-9 victory over eventual champions Brunswick-Byron.
Casino snapped Port Stephens’ 13-match winning streak with a 23-13 triumph in the final round robin match.
In a massive team effort, the Port Stephens side were best served by talented midcourters Skyla Barrett, Clair Cousins, Sarah Smith and Chartreuse Chivers; goal attack and shooters Maalaa McLennan and Liliana Rainima plus tough defenders Lexi-Rose Jackson, Zahlia Stone-Krznaric, Isla Walton and Hope Tierney.
Port Stephens Netball Representative convenor Nadina Marsh said the association’s three teams – under-12s, under-13s and under-14s – wore the blue, grey and white with pride “demonstrating resilience, determination, teamwork and typical Port spirit each time they stepped onto the court.”
“Every player gave their all, supported one another and represented our association with true sportsmanship” she reflected.
“Our youngest representatives (under-12s) embraced every challenge, continued to learn and improve and never stopped fighting for each other to finish 14th overall while our under-13s improved each match to finish 17th overall.
“A heartfelt thank you to our amazing coaches and managers, whose countless volunteer hours, passion and commitment made this experience possible,” she said.
By Chris KARAS
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
