Women’s Seniors
UHS-W 10.3-63 – Emmaus St Leos 6.4-40
Goal Kickers: M. Zambelli 5, A. Botica 3, M. Stafford, J. Boyce
Written by Kim Crabtree
It was a nervous start to Round 4 of the UHS Women’s season. An early goal from Emmaus St Leo’s had the side rattled in the first quarter, as the team’s usually steadfast zoning efforts faltered under pressure.
A steadying goal from Jo Boyce in the dying minutes of the first provided the reset Uni needed. Going into the second quarter, the focus was on stabilising positions and converting defensive pressure into scoring opportunities. Ruck Maddy Stafford proved her all-rounder capabilities by slotting another for Uni, while newcomer Ash Botica made her mark on the scoreboard with her first UHSW goal.
A point down at half time (3.3-21 to 3.4-22) and a crowd of supporters growing, Uni turned up the heat on a tiring Emmaus, coming out on top at the end of the third with a five-point lead (6.3-39 to 5.4-34). The goal-kicking of star midfielder Marlo Zambelli was aided by the wall of defence of the backline and the penetrating kicks of centre-back Maya Gorman.
Despite a late desperate goal from Emmaus, the momentum was with Uni in the final term and the combined scoring of Zambelli and Botica could not be stopped. Bagging a total of three majors, Botica cemented herself as a forward to watch this season, while the clutch of five from vice captain Zambelli was reward for the work and heart continuously on display from the midfielder throughout the day.
By the final siren Uni had extended their lead by 23 points, 10.3-63 defeating 6.4-40. The hard-fought win puts the team in good stead to face the undefeated Melbourne Cricket Club FC in Mentone this coming Saturday.