By David Nagel
Casey Demons will look to bounce back strongly in the coming weeks after the new-look Demons outfit was outplayed by Peninsula Waves in round one of the Victorian Netball League (VNL) season.
The Demons were dealt a clean sweep by the Waves, who triumphed 54-41 in the Championship game, 54-31 in Division 1, while the Demons went down fighting in a highly-entertaining 19-Under game – 62-51.
The Waves were simply too strong for the Demons, showing patience, purpose and poise to overwhelm their opposition.
The Waves’ shooting combination of Olivia Wilkinson and Clare Vearing proved the difference despite the best efforts of Demons captain Georgia Vines in defence.
On a positive note for the Demons, several new faces made their Casey debuts.
Former GWS Giants and Northern Mystics goaler Kristina Brice played her first game in the Championship squad, alongside fellow first gamers Poppy Douglass, Sinead Lumsden, Steph McNay and Chase Vassallo.
Lyshae Barry, Taylor Lloyd, Ella Rees and Emily Zeuschner played their first games for the Demons in Division One, while Iris Bentley, Ashlee Bowden, Lupe Fonua, Pitui Laban, Jacinta McGinley, Hollie Peterson, Holly Stephens and Lilli Stobie formed the nucleus of the very competitive 19-Under squad.
The Demons Championship team will improve from its disappointing round-one performance, with Brice and her new teammates set to gel with further court time.
In great news for the Demons, two of their young guns, Pitui Laban and Leaia Fono have both been selected in the Victorian SSV 15-Under team for the national championships.
This Sunday 27 March, Casey is inviting the Demons family, friends, supporters and sponsors to come along and celebrate the start of the 2022 VNL season.
Guests will get an insight into the season ahead and are invited to stick around and watch an open training session following the dress presentation to players.
Memberships, merchandise and raffle tickets will be on sale and light refreshments will also be provided.
The season launch will take place in the Casey Stadium Function Room beginning at
3.30pm.
VNL CHAMPIONSHIP – ROUND ONE RESULTS
Boroondara (34) defeated by Melbourne University Lightning (56)
Peninsula Waves (54) defeated Casey Demons (41)
City West Falcons (60) defeated by North East Blaze (64)
Hawks Netball (33) defeated by Geelong Cougars (58)
Wilson Southern Storage Saints (43) drew with Ariels (43)
CASEY DEMONS – CHAMPIONSHIP – UPCOMING GAMES
RD DATE OPPONENT VENUE
3 March 30 City West Falcons SNC
4 April 6 Southern Saints SNC
5 April 13 North East Blaze Casey
