Match Report By
Evonne Mandekic
“Goooo MINC!!!” – we were pumped and ready to take the court. GEMS, our first competitors looked menacing with two uber-tall players and a fit-looking lineup. Ros’ coaching advice of “No lobs!!” was definitely echoing in our minds. Despite the butterflies we started strong and thanks to Lisa’s great shooting were up 8-0 by half time. The momentum continued through our next game against the Atlanta Stars. We were making good headway with Cara’s bounding intercepts and Drinky’s strong center presence. Game three found us playing the home team, Agape. There was an awkward first half but we brought it home with our highest scoring win of 18-7. The score was impressive and so was Caroline’s grapevine on the line…stepping!! =) By game four we were starting to feel the pain but had to keep it together against the mixed team, the Nashville Roos. This was by far the most eventful game of the tournament. The 6’4” male Goal Shooter had commanded the court in earlier games. Little did he know that he’d met his match in Kate. Kate held her ground and to his surprise at one point Mr-250-pounds bounced off Kate and squarely landed out of bounds behind the ring. His revenge came swiftly (although probably not intentionally) as he pummeled Helen into the ground. Alas our bounding wing finished the game undeterred. Meanwhile, there was another undeterred player down the court on the opposing team – Dre’s cougar rub on the 15-year-old wing defense was proving fruitless. The whistle blew and we had won another game. All that was left was the other undefeated team, the Atlanta Crusaders. Muscles were aching and the anticipation was high. A tough match – lots of spills and falls on both sides. Despite a strong performance, the Atlanta Crusaders took the game by four goals.
The tournament ended on a high as we were awarded our awesome second-place spinning medallions. Dre sweetened the moment by sharing her brand new packet of Tim Tam Crush.
The tournament was over but the weekend was not. That evening the MINC ladies spruced up and went on a well-deserved, carb-loaded pizza and pasta rampage before heading out for a drink or two…or three…no names! Five stayed the next day to experience Atlanta – the High Gallery, the incredible Atlanta Aquarium and the 1996 Olympic Site, were highlights. Sunday closed out with an unforgettable Southern feast at the Horesradish Grill.
Great netball, great girls, Hot-lanta 2009 was a winner! Next stop, Queens May 16. All aboard!
