UP poised for semi-finals after stellar weekend action.

The University of Pretoria look poised to make it into the semi-finals of this edition of Varsity netball after solid team performances against the North-west University and the University of Johannesburg in the fourth and fifth round of the tournament.

In a highly anticipated encounter on Sunday afternoon where The University of Pretoria took on defending champions, NWU-Pukke, it was the UP-Tuks ladies who were able to claim bragging rights as they claimed a 52- 48 victory. It was a good team performance from the team who were able to keep a dangerous NWU attack in check, while the experienced pair of Melissa Kotze and Lenize Potgieter kept UP in front throughout the game. It was a break-away start for the Pretoria ladies as they led 33-24 going into half-time. NWU-Pukke were able to add some valuable  points towards the end of the match, calling for a close finish were UP-Tuks pulled through by four points, with Protea player, Lenize Potgieter awarded player of the match.

Monday, 19 September saw a Gauteng derby between The University of Pretoria and The University of Johannesburg take place at the University of Stellenbosh. It was an equally intense match-up as both sides looked to do well to ensure semi-final places. UP-Tuks proved too good for the Johannesburg side as they came out 66-42 victors. The UP ladies had a great start again, pulling away from the completion as they led 39 points to 16 at half time. Good efforts from the Tuks defence made sure that UJ were never able to find their rhythm as Kotze and Swart kept the scoreboard ticking for the University of Pretoria. Player of the match awarded to Marlize de Bruin at wing defence.

That now sees the team return back to Pretoria as they look to take on NMMU in front of a home crowd this coming weekend, providing the University of Pretoria with its first live action. Be sure to catch the team at the Rembrandt Hall on the 26th of September.

UP- Tuks fourth & fifth round team:
Lenize Potgieter
Melissa Kotze
Tshina Mdau (vice-captain)
Izette Lubbe
Marlize d Bruin
Shadine vd Merwe (captain)
Jasmine Ziegelmeier
Subs:
Chantelle Swart
Shongile Hlungwane
Juzeldri Garbers
Dimakatso Mogoale