Beko League squad named

NETBALL South has named a 23player training squad ahead of next year’s Beko League.

A feeder team for the Southern Steel, the team provides a pathway for the zone’s top talent from the clubs to the ANZ Premiership.

The squad was chosen from a group of 77 triallists, and will be trimmed to 16 prior to the season.

There is Steel experience across the court.

Midcourter Sophie Erwood and defender Taneisha Fifita have both played in the ANZ Premiership, while shooter Georgia Heffernan has played preseason and Super Club games.

Meanwhile, there are plenty of others back from this year’s side.

Kiana Pelasio, Jess Allan, Lauren Pickett, Katherine Morris and Tarryn Dickson were all regulars in the lineup, while Zoey Flockton returns to the setup.

Grace Heardman, Hannah RiddlePelchen and Bridie Burns all join the team from outside the region, having been attracted south to study.

Netball South performance manager Lauren Piebenga said having the means to secure such players was an asset.

‘‘We’ve always been really fortunate to have excellent tertiary education facilities here in the

south, which do play a key role in attracting players from other areas.

‘‘It’s a real asset.

‘‘We also had players extend their trip to venture south following the New Zealand Secondary School Championships staged in Timaru last week.

‘‘It’s fantastic to see players exploring all avenues when it comes to progressing their netball careers.’’

She had been impressed by the players on show.

‘‘It was good offseason quality with plenty of potential to lift following a solid preseason.

‘‘As selectors, our focus was on court play and how well players executed basic skills and formed connections out there on court.’’

A coach had not yet been confirmed for the side, although an announcement is expected in the coming weeks.