A place in the final of the 2025 Varsity Netball tournament was not to be for the Maties netball team, as they suffered a 46-35 defeat at the hands of defending champions, UFS Kovsies, in Bloemfontein on Monday evening (22 September).
The Stellenbosch team gave it their all in their quest for a place in the last dance, but the fortress that is the Callie Human Hall held strong and Kovsies dug deep to claim the win.
From the first whistle the Maroon Machine looked to control possession, but Liame de Lange struck early with two interceptions before Kovsies netted their opener. Maties quickly realised there was no room for error. Under pressure, Kovsies fed off the home crowd to edge the first quarter 11-9.
Maties slowed the tempo in the next 15 minutes and grew in confidence as Hanna Kriel stayed deadly accurate. Yet Kovsies’ experience shone through and they kept the scoreboard ticking. By half-time they pulled 24-16 clear.
The third quarter swung Maties’ way, with Kriel repeatedly escaping De Lange and Reratilwe Letsoalo’s reach. Maties capitalised on the power play to narrow the gap, but Kovsies steadied to hold a 34-31 advantage.
The last quarter was a battle of basics, both teams disciplined under pressure. But when the power play arrived Kovsies pounced, stretching their lead beyond reach.
A late Maties goal proved only consolation as the Bloemfontein side sealed a commanding 46-35 victory and their place in the final.
