UPDATE: The Wodonga Saints’ netball team is riding high after securing their first two wins of the 2024 season, sparking tears of joy among players and supporters. Just days ago, the Saints triumphed over Beechworth, marking their first victory since Round Eight.
In a stunning turn of events, the Saints followed up their win against Beechworth with a solid performance against Rutherglen, winning by a decisive seven goals. This back-to-back success comes after breaking a two-year winless streak earlier this season, creating a wave of excitement among the young squad.
Jen Feltrin, the A-grade assistant coach, revealed the emotional impact of these victories, stating, “There were a few tears after that Beechworth game, because they were very excited.” Many players are in their debut A-grade seasons, including standout goal shooter Lily Barry, with the oldest player just 21 years old.
Feltrin praised the growth and development of the team under head coach Taylor Morey. “Credit to Taylor, she’s put in amazing work with those girls,” Feltrin said. “We’ve certainly watched the development, not so much the netball skills, because that was always there, but just having more strength in their mentality.”
The Saints’ emotional journey this season has seen them overcome early struggles. Feltrin noted, “When they’ve had dips and lulls towards the start of the season, they found it hard to pull themselves out and get back into the game. But definitely as the season’s gone on, you can see that maturity and growth.”
Looking ahead, the Saints face a formidable challenge as they prepare to take on the Kiewa Hawks for the final round of the Tallangatta and District home-and-away season. Feltrin anticipates a tough match, stating, “Kiewa is an absolute powerhouse, so we know it’s going to be a challenging one.”
However, the Saints are entering the game with confidence. “The girls are going out with nothing to lose, and they’re riding a high from the last couple of wins,” Feltrin added. “If they can put all those things into play on the day, they will be able to give them a good challenge.”
This surge in performance not only marks a pivotal moment for the Wodonga Saints but also highlights the resilience and potential of the younger players in the league. Fans are eager to see how the team will harness this momentum in their upcoming matches.
