Veupunama’s youngsters to step up against Telstars

By SULI SULI
VEUPUNAMA will rely on their junior players (under-21) to support the premier team tomorrow as they aim to register a third consecutive win against Telstars at the Rita Flynn outdoor courts.
With the absence of star players Barbara Arivusu, Villie Nopiri and Rayleen Andrew, who are away on representative duties with the Pepes, the U21 girls will feature in the premier side’s hunt for a third straight win in round three of Port Moresby Netball Association competition.
Veupunama escaped with a 30-27 win over Aroma Coast last weekend and would look to maintain the momentum.
“The U21 players stepped up and played extremely well,” Veupunama president Tania Maha told The National earlier this week.
“Our Pepes reps did not take the court last week because of their trip to Australia.
“But the junior girls played a more coordinated game, compared to round one were we did countless errors.”
Despite the unavailability of the trio, Veupunama held on to record their second win.
The club’s wing attack Kila Nama and goal shooter Daisy Vali played an impressive role in last weekend’s three-point victory match.
The pair will lead the premier team in tomorrow’s clash.
“Nama had a lot of patience before feeding the shooters,” Maha said.
“Vali was the star under the posts scoring on all our centre passes and turnovers.
“It’s going to be a tough run against Telstars. They’re known for their great experience. But my young girls have gained confidence in the last two rounds and I’m sure they will give Telstars a good run.”
Meanwhile, Maha highlighted few areas which needed attention heading into round three.
“Put in more work on definite drives and player awareness,” she said.
“They must know where a player is going to execute the next pass and understanding each other in their shooting, defending and midcourt unit,” Maha said ahead of tomorrow’s match.