City West Falcons enter the Victorian Netball League finals as red-hot favourites after completing an undefeated home-and-away season.
The Falcons recorded their 18th consecutive win in style, smashing the Geelong Cougars by 20 goals last Wednesday.
It wasn’t always easy, with City West forced to fight during a tough first quarter.
However, after taking a one-goal lead into the break, the Falcons found their range and were able to shake off Geelong to secure a 62-42 win. Kath Knott continued her outstanding form with a haul of 34 goals, while Alice Teague-Neeld didn’t miss a shot on her way to 18 goals.
City West coach Marg Lind said the Cougars were fairly aggressive and contested every ball early on.
‘‘I think we gradually built across the course of the game,’’ she said. ‘‘It just took us a little while to adjust and make sure we got our strategic approaches right. Once we did that we were able to run away with it.”
City West finished the season five games clear on top of the ladder.
Lind said going undefeated was a massive achievement.
‘‘There have been quite a few games this year where we could have easily lost. I think that’s a real compliment to the team, that they are able to pull themselves out under pressure.
‘‘Whether or not they can finish the season, that’s a whole other test again.”
VU Western Lightning had its season ended at the hands of Monash University Storm.
The Lightning needed a win to qualify for the postseason, but fell four goals short to finish in sixth place.
City West will play Boroondara Genesis in the first semi-final at the State Netball and Hockey Centre on Wednesday.
