Pepes repeat heroics to down Cook Is

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The National, Friday 7th June 2013

 By KYMLIE KARANI

PEPES coach Annie Iamo said that she was the happiest woman on earth as she congratulated her girls for their tremendous win yesterday when they beat Cook Islands 67-53.

Two wins from three matches earned the Pacific MMI PNG Pepes second place the Pacific Netball Series which ended yesterday in Apia, Samoa.

The Pepes continued their winning form stunning the Cook Islands proving their win over Samoa the previous day was no fluke.

It was an outstanding performance by all players with captains Winnie Mavara and Maleta Roberts leading in front to bring the team to victory.

The Pepes did not allow the their opponents to gain any momentum holding on to a lead for most of the match.

“I am overjoyed. We came and achieved what we aimed for. And that was to at least finish in the top two. We came with expectations and we fulfilled them,” Iamo said.

Shooters Tiata Baldwin and Roberts kept the scoreboard ticking over and there was no let up for the Cook Islanders who could not make up the deficit.

Mid-courters Kula Iamo, Mavara and Nerrie Adula  kept a lid on the Cook Islander’s attack while Margaret Eka and Kilala Owen applied plenty of pressure on the opposition shooters.
“Its such a great feeling. We have tried for so long and finally we can say that we are slowly making it to the top. I must praise the girls for playing with so much heart and determination. That is what brought us through,” Iamo said.
She added that the girls had bonded well and the a strong team spirit played a part in the on-court performances.
“I guess it’s all about molding the team as a unit,” she said.
Netball PNG president Julienne Leka-Maliaki who witnessed the match praised shooter Tiata Baldwin for her outstanding performance throughout the tournament.
“I must say she was god-sent! She was outstanding with so much positive energy that took us right through,” Maliaki said.
The Pepes now have the Six Nations Series in December to be held in Singapore.