Cougars under-23s through to semi-final

The Cougars won their elimination final to move through to the major semi-final. Photo: GRANT TREEBY/NV

GEELONG Cougars under-23 side have reached the final four, beating Bendigo on Wednesday last week in a tight elimination final at the State Netball Centre in Melbourne.

The fifth-placed Cougars led at each break against the fourth-placed Strikers and pulled away in the last quarter to prevail 70-52.

After being just six points ahead at three quarter time, a 21-point to nine final period for Geelong led to the semi-final-clinching win.

Gun goal shooter Eliza Dunell did the majority of the damage for the Cougars, scoring 49 goals at an efficient 94 per cent.

Goal attack Indi O’Connor scored 17 goals, missing just one in an accurate performance by the impressive youngster.

For the Strikers, goal shooter Jorja Clode scored 42 goals, shooting at 95.5 per cent.

The win continues a hot streak for the Cougars, who won four of their last five regular season matches to secure fifth spot.

Their attention now turns to a major semi-final clash against the ladder leaders North East Blaze on Wednesday this week, where the winner proceeds to the grand final while the loser is eliminated.

The Blaze finished the regular season 17-1 and beat the second-placed Melbourne University Lightning on Wednesday night to reach the major semi-final.

City West Falcons defeated the Hawks in the other elimination final and will face the Lightning in Wednesday’s minor semi-final.