Undefeated Geelong United edge Diamond Valley to reach grand final

GEELONG United overcame an impressive Diamond Valley outfit on Saturday to remain undefeated and progress through to the Women’s NBL1 South Grand Final.

Scores were tied heading into the final quarter, but United pulled away late from the Eagles to secure the 80-72 Preliminary Final victory.

Despite being undefeated and winning most games convincingly to this point, the seventh-placed Diamond Valley took it right up to Geelong, leading at the first two quarter breaks.

With several United players in foul trouble, the Eagles were in the box seat to cause an almighty upset. However, following a three-pointer from skipper Jaz Shelley to take the lead with just under five minutes to play, United never looked back.

Scoring was shared among the team, with Lilly Rotunno leading the way with 22 points. Shelley contributed 20 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Gemma Potter had 21 points and 14 rebounds.

For the Eagles, each of their starting five scored in double digits, led by Australian Opal Stephanie Reid with 21 points.

The win takes United to an incredible 24 in a row — building on an astonishing 22-0 in the regular season — and the team now has just one more to go to clinch their maiden Championship since the NBL1 South formed in 2019.

They face the second-placed Knox Raiders, who prevailed on the weekend against the Keilor Thunder.

The Grand Final will take place at the State Basketball Centre in Melbourne on Saturday, August 16 at 4pm.

Coach Megan Moody will be aiming to cap off a perfect season with a championship.