"I knew Mum would have wanted me to carry on with the game - she has always been a huge supporter of my netball and I wanted to win last night's game for her."
Teammates rallied around van Dyk, who slotted the crucial goal in the hard-fought match to draw the game 44-all and force it into extra time. The Magic won 57-48 to book their spot in the final with an 11th consecutive win.
"I have to see this through and the family back home are also very supportive," said van Dyk, 40.
Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic chief executive Sheryl Dawson paid tribute to the composure shown by the goal shoot.
"Irene, as always, was a consummate professional who put her team before all else despite her immense sadness having lost her Mum," she said.
"We are so fortunate to be blessed with such a strong and amazing player and we will be doing everything we can to support Irene."
Having earned the right to host the grand final more than a week ago, the Vixens believe they will have a huge advantage over the Magic in the final. While the Magic were forced to play five quarters to subdue the Mystics in Auckland, the minor premier Vixens have been relaxing and preparing on home turf.
"We had a hard practice match on Friday night but we've now got the week off to recover and prepare for the game so I think it's a massive advantage for us," Vixens skipper Bianca Chatfield said.
"It's a six-day turnaround for them as well as the travel."
The Vixens could become the first team to win two transtasman titles since the competition started in 2008.
It will be the Magic's third grand final appearance after losing to the NSW Swifts in 2008 and the Adelaide Thunderbirds in 2010.
Chatfield wanted a strong start but felt confident her team could match any team at the end. staff reporter
