Marist Sion host netball carnival

Marist Sion College put in a competitive effort at the 24th national Marist netball carnival last week.

Warragul hosted the event, with schools from across Australia descending on the Burke Street courts for three days of competitive competition.

Beginning the tournament in pool B, Marist Sion made a positive start with victory in its second match against Newman College to square the ledger at one win and one loss.

A difficult challenge in eventual championship finalist Catholic College Sale resulted in a narrow loss. The Sale team went through the tournament undefeated only to fall in extra time of the championship final.

A thrilling two goal win over Marist Bendigo put the Warragul team back on track before finding Assumption College too strong.

Two goal losses to Mt Carmel and Marist Sisters’ College hurt the home teams’ chances of progressing to the championship division, with a loss to eventual championship team St John’s Woodlawn closing out day one of the carnival.

Entering day two in the Challenge division, highlights included a thrilling one goal win over Marist Regional College and a strong 10-goal win over Red Bend Catholic College. Matches against Newman and St Patricks finished in thrilling draws.

Competitive losses against Bunbury and Mt Carmel saw Marist Sion finish the day with a score difference of -5 and a sixth-placed finish in a very competitive division.

Losses to St Patrick’s and Marist Regional on the final day put paid to any hopes of progressing to the Challenge final.

Our Lady Sacred Heart, Alice Springs accounted for Bunbury in the Challenge final.

Player of the day honours were shared for Marist College Warragul, with Lily Sheehan picking up the award on day one, Jade Pratt on day two and Lucy McKellar on day three.

Championship division most wanted player was awarded to Emma Allman of Catholic College Sale, while Danielle O’Toole of Marist College Bendigo was awarded most wanted player in the Challenge division.

Guest speakers for the tournament were Australian netball legend Shelley O’Donnell and local netball and current Collingwood VFLW listed player Jasmine Ferguson.

Next year’s carnival will be held in Alice Springs.

Photograph: Davyd Reid. Goal shooter Olivia Sheehan shoots for goal during Marist Sion College’s 10 goal victory over Red Bend Catholic College;

Above: Marist Sion College goal keeper Ella Gown leaps to defend a Red Bend Catholic College shot on goal.

Marist Sion College goal attack Jade Pratt shoots for goal as her Red Bend Catholic College opponent gets her hand to the ball to defend the shot.

Above: The Marist Sion College team warm up ahead of their match against Red Bend Catholic College.

Marist Sion College wing attack Tanaye Guy looks for a passing option as her Red Bend Catholic College opponent closes in.

Right: Marist Sion College goal defence Lucy McKellar accepts a short pass from teammate Lily Sheehan.

Right: Marist Sion College wing defence Georgia King keeps the ball in play.

Marist Sion College centre Lily Sheehan looks for a passing option in attack.

Marist Sion College student Charlie Stern was on hand to support the school team.