Black Swans go back-to-back with victory over Fiji at Pacific Netball Series

Jarred Cross
Jarred Cross Published June 13, 2024 at 6.30am (AWST)

First Nations Black Swans assistant coach Vanessa Dempsey had no doubts over her side's potential, but says she's surprised by one aspect of their rapid emergence at the Pacific Netball Series after a statement-making win on Wednesday.

The Black Swans produced a dominant opening and third quarter, outscoring world no.8 Fiji 32-17 within those periods to lodge a 13-goal win, and second in as many days, on Wednesday afternoon - ending 61-48.

After getting the jump with a 5-0 start courtesy of Jamaica Jauncey and Olivia Clark at goal, Brook Lacey and midcourt sister-pairing Tia and Jayden Molo directed play forward with defensive duo Scarlet Jauncey and skipper Tegan Holland doing their bit to disrupt opposition scoring for a 16-9 lead at the first break.

An unchanged lineup met a stronger Fijian response in the second quarter, with Lily Cubby and Aaleya Turner coming into play at either end of the court.

However Turner and Holland combined to force a turnover in the defensive circle with resulting goals allowing their side to maintain a slimmer margin heading into half time.

Demspey told National Indigenous Times post-match alongside adjustments, reminders of individual roles and refresh on strategy, the message from herself and head coach Ali Tucker-Munro to the squad was about returning to a team focus.

On return, eight goals apiece from Cubby and Clark capitalised on controlling the play across the court towards setting up the win.

The two sides shot 15-14 in the Black Swans favour across an evenly-matched final quarter.

"We knew that Fiji were going to be really challenging for the girls. Just to play the way that they did...we can't speak highly enough of them," Dempsey told National Indigenous Times.

The South Australian underage state team-experienced coach - also getting her first glimpse at the international stage - said she's "excited, but not surprised" by the performances coming out of the side.

After falling short against three-time running Pacific Series winner Tonga on Monday, the Black Swans snagged their debut win over Singapore on Tuesday.

"We've got some really talented and amazing athletes in our space, in netball with the Indigenous athletes across the country," Dempsey said.

"To perform like that after two games with limited time on the court, it kind of is a little bit of a surprise, but not when I know that the talent we've got out there and the community."

It was also a rare opportunity for the Molo sisters to embrace together on court.

The pair featured together at centre and wing attack across all four quarters, with a major say on the outcome between them.

Sisters Jayden (left) and Tia Molo took to the court with shoes showcasing designs inspired by their late nan. (Image: National Indigenous Times)

"We've been in different age groups…we're two years apart," Jayden told National Indigenous Times.

"It was only one year (that we played together at Brisbane North Cougars)...this is our second time back on court together. It's really special being on court with your little sister (and) sharing the win."

Tia said it's also a big opportunity "showing all the younger girls the opportunities we are starting to get...which is really good for netball".

Both take the court with shoes painted by their grandad, honouring their late Nan and Waanyi heritage.

"We're just really happy to represent our Nanna today and I just hope we're making her proud and just hope she's watching down as well," Tia said.

   Related   

   Jarred Cross   

Download our App

@natindigtimes
Article Audio

Disclaimer: This function is AI-generated and therefore may mispronounce.

National Indigenous Times

Disclaimer: This function is AI-generated and therefore may mispronounce.