Eagles Seal Semi-Final Spot with Back-to-Back Wins
- Karen Scheepers
- Sep 16
- 2 min read
The NWU Eagles wrapped up the Varsity Netball group stages in style with two decisive victories: a 59–49 win over Wits in Round 6 and a thrilling 50–42 triumph over UJ in Round 7. These back-to-back performances not only showcased the Eagles’ resilience but also secured their place in the semi-finals of the 2025 campaign.
Wits Challenge Overcome
On Sunday, September 14, the Eagles faced a fired-up Wits team that matched them goal-for-goal for much of the contest. With the scoreboard tight at halftime (27–24 to NWU), the Eagles had to dig deep. In the final quarter, their composure and finishing power saw them pull away to secure a vital 59–49 victory. Christi-Mari Coetzee once again proved her worth, claiming her third FNB Player of the Match award in the tournament.
Statement Against UJ
The Round 7 clash against UJ proved to be one of the season’s most anticipated matches. With both sides eyeing top spot, the Orange Army and the Eagles produced a nail-biting contest. UJ edged ahead in the first half (9–8 and 19–17 at the breaks), but NWU used the Suzuki Powerplay to great effect in the third quarter, overturning the deficit and moving ahead 33–32. The Eagles’ defensive grit and attacking efficiency carried them through the final period, sealing a memorable 50–42 win. UJ defender Cornelia Mupenda stood out for her side and was named Player of the Match, but the result lifted NWU into the semi-finals and dislodged UJ from the top of the standings.
Quarter Scores vs UJ
1st Quarter: 9–8 (UJ lead)
2nd Quarter: 19–17 (UJ lead)
3rd Quarter: 32–33 (NWU lead)
4th Quarter: 42–50 (NWU win)
Suzuki Powerplay Standings (After Round 7)
The Suzuki Powerplay had a major influence on the group stages, with NWU proving their attacking sharpness by finishing second on the list with 29 goals, just behind leaders Kovsies on 34. This strong showing underlines how the Eagles capitalised on the double-scoring two-minute window to keep themselves among the top contenders.
Final Log Standings (After Group Stages)
After seven intense rounds, UFS Kovsies finished top of the Varsity Netball log with 25 points, closely followed by UJ on 24 and NWU on 21. Maties claimed the final semi-final spot on 16 points, while Wits, Madibaz, UP-Tuks, and Varsity College missed out despite moments of promise throughout the campaign.
Upcoming Semi-Finals – Monday, September 22
17:00 – NWU vs UJ
Kovsies vs Maties
Semi-Final Fever
With the group stages complete, the race for the Varsity Netball crown is down to four. The Eagles will lock horns with UJ once again in a blockbuster semi-final showdown, while Kovsies take on Maties in a Free State vs Cape Town battle. For NWU, these consecutive victories over Wits and UJ have provided the perfect springboard as they prepare for the knockout rounds, where every pass and every shot will matter.
🦅💜 🏐🔥 ⚡🙌
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