The stakes were raised even higher with the team down to only two shooters after an injury early in the season. But with shooting averages in the 90^th percentile, the team remained confident they were passing the ball into the safest of hands.

Thrown into the mix this year was 14-year-old Miia Angel, who was keen to prove herself equal to the challenge.

And with only one month of court play to train because of COVID restrictions, the girls had to get inventive with their bi-weekly fitness training.

When August 9 - the day of the tournament - came around, they were ready to show what they were made of.

One by one they masterfully overpowered their Division 3 competitors on the courts at Port Macquarie.

"They played brilliantly. Everything we practised in training was put into their game - determination, aggression and control," coach Lisa Hocking said.

After three solid wins they were pumped going into the finals rounds.

"All of that fitness training really helped them to build their endurance to get through their six games," Lisa said.

But they weren't prepared for what Woopi was about to lay down. In an absolute blinder of a match, the girls from Woolgoolga brought their A-Game to take out the Major Semi-Final 25 - 19.

It was a blow to Nambucca, but they weren't down and out yet.

In a test for redemption, Nambucca faced off against Great Lakes in the Preliminary Final.

"They nearly gave me a heart attack in the last five minutes of that game," Lisa said.

"But all the girls were relaxed and our defence turned over the ball like clockwork."

The team pulled out a nail-biting two-goal win against Great Lakes earning their place in the Grand Final and one last shot against Woolgoolga.

"They got up in front very early on and they maintained their composure and control all the way through the final," Lisa said.

And the Nambucca Valley girls were victorious after a decisive 26 - 20 win, coach Lisa Hocking declaring there was "no way" she could choose a player of that match.

"It was just a huge team effort," she said.

"They're a great bunch of girls - they communicate with each other so well on the court. And they've worked extremely hard this year and it's paid off.

"I really want to thank the Association for giving me the chance to coach them this season."

With this year's State Titles just recently cancelled due to COVID, this win means all the more to this talented bunch of athletes.

Congratulations to Lacey Wilson, Aaliyah Hodnett-Daly, Josie Welsh, Lilly Noonan, Izabelle Salway, Marli Bateman, Jazmin Sutton, Miia Angel, Ivy Taylor and Assistant Coach Jade Summerville on a sterling result.

And congratulations to the 14s who also championed their division.

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