THE Wangaratta Rovers U15 netball team have made it to the semi finals against the undefeated Wodonga Raiders this weekend.
Rovers co-coach, Jaye Miller, said after finishing second on the ladder this season, they are cautiously confident and she has been working with co-coach, Jeynelle Henderson, to ensure the girls are ready to bring their A-game this Saturday.
“Last time we played the Raiders, we got within six goals so we’ve gotten the closest to them,” she said.
“We feel if anyone’s going to win against them it’s going to be us."
“The girls know what they need to get right, and we’ve been discussing that they’ve got all the tools in their toolbox, and if they can all bring them out at the same time we’ve got a chance at knocking off a very good team.”
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After a couple of injuries in the game before finals, Miller said all the players have recovered and are prepared for the semi-final.
Miller said all their wins have been a team effort with one of their key players being team captain and goal shooter, Lily Lyster.
Miller said Lily is a dedicated player who always encourages the team to “unleash the beast” in every team huddle.
“Lily Lyster has been shooting at over 80 per cent and 90 per cent accuracy in every game,” Miller said.
“If she’s on that means the rest of the team is going to be really pumped up.”
Lily has been on the team for two years and said she is proud to be the captain and see how far the team has come.
“It has been such an amazing experience getting to take on this role alongside Milla Norman as vice-captain, and to get to know my teammates better,” she said.
“Last year we finished fourth after being knocked out in the elimination final.
“Fast forward to this year, from pre-season to now, together we have all grown so much.”
Another star player on the team is their goal defence, Lainey Draper.
“She has been outstanding this season and really is our defensive weapon,” Miller said.
The semi-final will take place tomorrow morning at 8.30am at the Norm Minns Oval.
