Eagles Take Flight with Home Victory Over Maties
- Karen Scheepers
- Sep 2
- 3 min read
The NWU Eagles netball team delivered a memorable performance in front of a passionate home crowd at the Mahikeng Great Hall on Monday, September 1, 2025. From the moment the purple wave of supporters filled the stands, the atmosphere was electric, and the Eagles rose to the occasion with a convincing 55–41 triumph over the visiting Maties. The result not only lifted spirits on campus but also secured NWU’s position in the top three of the Varsity Netball log.
Early Battle for Control
The match opened with a tense first quarter as both sides tested each other’s resolve. Physicality dominated the early exchanges, with defenders making their presence felt. The Eagles, however, showed composure in the goal circle, finding their rhythm to edge ahead 13–9 by the first break. This foundation allowed the team to build confidence while keeping Maties under pressure.
Halftime Nerves and Momentum Shifts
The second quarter proved less polished for the Eagles. Sloppy passing and missed opportunities allowed Maties back into contention. With the visitors improving their defensive structures, the energy in the hall wavered, and NWU struggled to convert their dominance into scoreboard distance. Even so, the Eagles carried a 22–16 lead into halftime, a cushion that hinted at their ability to steady themselves when it mattered.
Turning Point in the Third Quarter
After regrouping at the break, NWU returned with renewed determination. Their attacking play tightened, and the defensive unit closed down Maties’ shooting options effectively. The Eagles’ ability to transition quickly into attack paid dividends, and they outscored their opponents decisively. By the end of the third quarter, the scoreboard reflected a healthy 41–29 advantage, a margin that gave the home side breathing space heading into the final stretch.
Finishing with Confidence
The last 15 minutes highlighted the Eagles’ resilience and discipline. Maties attempted a late push, capitalizing on moments of hesitation, but the Eagles refused to buckle under pressure. Driven by the roar of their supporters, NWU extended their lead and sealed a 55–41 victory. Player of the Match, Vivian Venancio, was instrumental in the circle, providing stability and clinical finishing that kept her team ahead throughout.
Key Details from the Clash
Final Score: NWU 55 – 41 Maties
Quarter Scores: 13–9 | 22–16 | 41–29 | 55–41
Player of the Match: Vivian Venancio (NWU)
NWU Squad: Sunel Smit, Jaime Matfield, Andrya Joubert, Tlotlang Mokomela, Jessica Matjiu, Johanné Meyer, Amori Matthee, Christi-Mari Coetzee, Vivian Venancio, Jeané Visser, Jade Ekwatu, Liane van Lochem.
Maties Squad: Hannah Kriel, Michelle van der Merwe, Hannah Olivier, Lara Ehlers, Lize Rossouw, Syntiche Kabuya, Juane Maass, Thabisa Yekani, Bianca Odendaal, Zahrah Noah, Renezia Andrews, Lisa Ingwersen.
Upcoming Fixtures for NWU Netball
Sunday, September 7 – 13:00
NWU Netball vs UP-Tuks Netball
Venue: Rembrandt Hall, Pretoria
Broadcast: SuperSport
Monday, September 8 – 13:00
UFS Kovsies Netball vs NWU Netball
Venue: Rembrandt Hall, Pretoria
Broadcast: SuperSport
Current Varsity Netball Log (after 3 rounds)
Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PD | BP | Pts |
1 | UJ Netball | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | +40 | 0 | 12 |
2 | UFS Kovsies Netball | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | +57 | 1 | 9 |
3 | NWU Netball | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | +44 | 1 | 9 |
4 | Madibaz Netball | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | +6 | 0 | 8 |
5 | Wits Netball | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -12 | 1 | 5 |
6 | Maties Netball | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -28 | 0 | 4 |
7 | UP-Tuks Netball | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -33 | 0 | 4 |
8 | Varsity College Netball | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | -74 | 0 | 0 |
The Road Ahead
The Eagles’ victory not only boosts their confidence but also cements their standing as one of the competition’s strongest contenders. With back-to-back fixtures in Pretoria against Tuks and Kovsies, NWU now face a crucial test that could shape their campaign’s trajectory. The team will look to build on their home success and carry momentum into these away encounters, determined to keep soaring higher on the Varsity Netball stage.
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